The Town of Westport urged residents to prepare for an approaching nor'easter, saying the storm could bring winds strong enough to fell trees, cause power outages, prolonged rain and coastal flooding as it moved into the area and was expected to continue through Sunday. The town advisory said north to northeast wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph were expected, locally up to 55 mph, with 2 to 3.5 inches of rain and the heaviest downpour forecast near the coast.
Westport Urges Residents to Prepare as Nor'easter Brings Wind, Flooding Risk
The Town of Westport urged residents to prepare for an approaching nor'easter, saying the storm could bring winds strong enough to fell trees, cause power outages, prolonged rain and coastal flooding as it moved into the area and was expected to continue through Sunday. The town advisory said north to northeast wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph were expected, locally up to 55 mph, with 2 to 3.5 inches of rain and the heaviest downpour forecast near the coast.
The National Weather Service advised that the nor'easter "will bring significant coastal impacts to the Mid-Atlantic and New England through the weekend. Moderate to major coastal flooding, heavy rain, strong winds and high surf expected."
The town said coastal flooding was a concern across several high tides, with Sunday morning currently expected to bring the greatest impacts. Low-lying shoreline roads and properties may flood, flooding is possible in areas with poor drainage and along rivers and streams, and residents should continue to check forecast updates throughout the weekend, the advisory said.
Power outages are also expected, particularly along the coast, according to Westport's advisory, which said soil saturated by recent rainfall may make trees more vulnerable to falling during what it described as a persistent wind event. Residents were urged to treat every downed wire as live and dangerous, stay clear, keep others away and call 911 to report it.
Westport's first responders and Public Works crews are preparing for the storm and will respond as conditions develop, the town said. The advisory told residents to follow emergency alerts and directions from public safety officials, obey road closures and barricades, secure outdoor items, charge essential devices, clear leaves from nearby drains where safe and never drive through floodwater. Westport emergency updates are available by signing up for Nixle, by texting 06880 to 888777 or registering at nixle.com, the town said.
AAA Northeast urged people who do not have to be on the road during the high winds and rain to stay home, and said travelers should plan for flight delays or cancellations. For those who must drive, AAA advised filling the gas tank, testing the battery, checking tire inflation and replacing worn wiper blades; keeping an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, extra phone chargers, high-visibility vests and jumper cables or a battery booster pack; reducing speed and leaving extra room between vehicles; and slowing down and moving over for roadside assistance providers, first responders and maintenance workers. AAA also advised securing loose outdoor furniture, replenishing emergency supply kits with flashlights, batteries and portable chargers, fully charging rechargeable batteries and electronics before the storm, and caulking gaps and cracks around windows, doors and vents to limit water intrusion.
- The source does not state the calendar date on which the nor'easter was expected to arrive or the date the Westport advisory was issued.
- The source does not state how much rain fell during the September 13 flooding the first selectman referenced, or how the current storm compares with it.
- The source does not state whether Westport ordered evacuations, closed schools or opened shelters.
- The source does not estimate how many residents or customers could lose power, and does not name the utility that serves the town.
- The source does not state whether AAA Northeast has made operational preparations such as added roadside crews.
- The source does not attribute the 2 to 3.5 inch rainfall forecast or the wind gust figures to a specific agency beyond the town advisory.
Read the original at Westport Journal