Tropical Storm Andrea Could Bring Heavy Rains, Flash Floods This Weekend

By Elissa Bass

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Friday and Saturday as the remnants of the season's first tropical storm are expected to pass through New England:

"A weak frontal system approaching from the west tonight into Friday will be followed by the post-tropical remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea passing to the southeast Friday night. Extensive tropical moisture associated with these systems could result in heavy rainfall and urban and small stream flooding from Friday into Saturday morning. The potential exists for widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts."

In addition, a flash flood warning has been issued from Friday morning at 6 a.m. through Saturday afternoon for Waterford and all of New London County.

The hurricane season started last Saturday and on Wednesday National Hurricane Center in Miami identified Tropical Storm Andrea as having formed in the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm brought heavy rain to Florida Thursday before moving up the Eastern Seaboard Friday and Saturday.

According to wexedge.com, "the storm is forecast to speed up and pass near or just southeast of New England Friday night into Saturday morning. In Connecticut:

• Periods of rain are likely through the day on Friday.
• The heaviest rain comes late Friday night into early Saturday.
• Winds will generally be light as the stronger winds stay well southeast of Connecticut. 
• Severe thunderstorms are NOT expected in Connecticut. 

Widespread rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are expected. Some higher amounts in the range of 4-5 inches remain possible by Saturday."

Waterford's weekend forecast from NOAA:

• Friday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 65. East wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
• Friday Night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 60. Northeast wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.
• Saturday: Showers likely, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. North wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 75.