Henri Local Update: Tropical Storm Warning Still in Effect, Center Passing Between Montauk Point and Block Island

Report by Paula Antolini, August 22, 2021, 1:37PM EDT

Hurricane Local Statement

Tropical Storm Henri Local Statement Advisory, National Weather Service New York NY

12:22 PM EDT Sun Aug 22 2021

This covers Southeast New York, Northeast New Jersey, and Southern Connecticut

**CENTER OF HENRI PASSING BETWEEN MONTAUK POINT AND BLOCK ISLAND AS THE STORM MOVES ACROSS LONG ISLAND AND SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND**

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NEW INFORMATION

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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

    – The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Bronx, Eastern Bergen, Eastern Essex, Eastern Union, Hudson, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Northern Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), and Southern Queens

    – The Storm Surge Watch has been cancelled for Southern Nassau and Southwest Suffolk

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

    – A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Bronx and Northern Queens

    – A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Northeast Suffolk, Northern Nassau, Northwest Suffolk, Southeast Suffolk, Southern Fairfield, Southern Middlesex, Southern New Haven, Southern New London, and Southern Westchester

    – A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Northern Fairfield, Northern Middlesex, Northern New Haven, Northern New London, Northern Westchester, Southern Nassau, and Southwest Suffolk

* STORM INFORMATION:

    – About 130 miles east of New York City NY or about 10 miles east of Montauk Point NY

    – 41.1N 71.6W

    – Storm Intensity 60 mph

    – Movement North-northwest or 335 degrees at 12 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The center of Tropical Storm Henri was located 10 miles east of Montauk Point, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, and was moving north-northwest at 12 mph. On this track the center of Henri will likely make landfall close to the Connecticut Rhode Island border early this afternoon, and then track farther north into southern New England through Monday while weakening.

The main threats from Henri continue to be heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding and river flooding, tropical storm force winds, and potentially life-threatening storm surge. There will also be associated marine and coastal hazards including very rough seas, high surf, dangerous rip currents, and beach erosion.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS

* FLOODING RAIN:

Potential impacts from flooding rain are still unfolding across Southeast New York, Northeast New Jersey, and Southern Connecticut.

Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having additional extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include:

    – Major rainfall flooding may prompt evacuations and rescues.

    – Rivers and streams may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.

    – In hilly terrain, destructive runoff may run quickly downhill and increase susceptibility to rockslides.

    – Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.

      Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.

      Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

* WIND:

Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding, mainly across the forks of Long Island and across southeast Connecticut.

Remain well sheltered from strong winds having additional significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include:

    – Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.

    – Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. l Several fences and roadway signs blown over.

    – Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within heavily wooded places.

    – Scattered power and communications outages, more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

* SURGE:

Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across the shorelines of Long Island Sound, Peconic and Gardiners Bays, and Moriches and Shinnecock Bays. Remain well away from life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include:

    – Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.

    – Sections of near shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.

    – Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Very dangerous surf and rip currents.

    – Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages.

Potential impacts from the main surge event are also now unfoldiing across the Great South Bay, Jamaica Bay, and New York Harbor. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:

High surf, dangerous rip currents, beach flooding, dune erosion, and localized overwashes are all possible at the ocean beaches, especially across eastern Suffolk County.

* TORNADOES:

Potential impacts from an isolated tornado or two are still unfolding across southeast Connecticut in heavy rain bands. If realized, impacts include:

    – The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans.

    – A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions.

    – Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

* EVACUATIONS:

Assess the risk from wind, falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move, relocate to a safer location nearby.

If you do not relocate, help keep roadways open.

If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your vehicle ahead of time. Let others know where you are going prior to departure.

Secure loose items and pets in the car. Avoid distracted driving and follow designated evacuation routes. Seek traffic information on roadway signs, on the radio, and from official sources.

Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear to return.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.

Keep your cell phone charged and in power saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and checkins.

If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:

– For information on appropriate preparations see http://ready.gov

– For information on creating an emergency plan see http://getagameplan.org

– For additional disaster preparedness information see http://redcross.org

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Hazardous Weather Outlook

National Weather Service New York NY, 1158 AM EDT Sun Aug 22 2021, Northern Fairfield-Northern New Haven-Northern Middlesex-Northern New London-Northern Westchester-

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING…

…TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern Connecticut and southeast New York.

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Tropical Storm Warning

Henri Local Watch/Warning Statement, National Weather Service New York NY, 1154 AM EDT Sun Aug 22 2021

Northern Fairfield-

TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT…

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED

    – Danbury

    – Ridgefield

    – Trumbull

* WIND

    – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind

        – Peak Wind Forecast: 10-20 mph with gusts to 35 mph

    – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph

        – The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.

        – PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force.

        – PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind damage.

        – ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

   

POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited

        – Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.

        – Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.

        – A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.

        – Scattered power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE

    – No storm surge inundation forecast

    – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm surge flooding

        – The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.

        – PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding. Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip

          currents are possible.

        – PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding are needed.

        – ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor forecasts.

    – REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed

        – Little to no additional surge impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual surge impacts accordingly.

* FLOODING RAIN

    – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect

        – Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts

    – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST

      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain

        – The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.

        – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely.

        – PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.

        – ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

    – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive

        – Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.

        – Rivers and streams may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.

        – In hilly terrain, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys, and increase susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides.

        – Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO

    – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:

        – Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes

    – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected

        – The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.

        – PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur.

        – PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation.

        – ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast.

    – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None

        – Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:

    – https://portal.ct.gov/DEMHS

    – https://weather.gov/nyc

    – https://ready.gov/hurricanes

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Flood Warning

Flood Warning, National Weather Service Albany NY, 8:38 AM EDT, Sun. Aug 22, 2021

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a

* Flood Warning for the Housatonic River At Stevenson Dam.

* From this morning until further notice.

* At 7:30 AM EDT Sunday the stage was 8.7 feet.

* Flood stage is 11.0 feet.

* Minor flooding is forecast.

* Forecast…The river is expected to rise above flood stage this morning into this afternoon and continue rising to a crest of 11.4 feet this evening.

* Impact…At 11.5 feet, Water reaches the Maples area of Shelton.

* Flood History…This crest compares to a previous crest of 11.2 feet on 03/29/1994.

Housatonic River

Stevenson Dam

Flood Stage: 11.0

Observed Stage at Sun 7 am: 8.7

Forecast:

Sun 8 am MSG

Sun 2 pm 11.3

Sun 8 pm 11.3

Mon 2 am 11.3

Mon 8 am 11.3

Mon 2 pm 11.3

Mon 8 pm 11.4

Tue 2 am 11.4

Tue 8 am 11.4

Tue 2 pm 11.2

Tue 8 pm MSG

Wed 2 am MSG

LAT…LON 4138 7304 4127 7315 4139 7335 4151 7326

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Flood Watch

Flood Watch, National Weather Service New York NY, 3:05 AM EDT, Sun. Aug. 22, 2021

Northern Fairfield-Northern New Haven-Northern Middlesex-Northern

New London-Southern Fairfield-Southern New Haven-Southern Middlesex-

Southern New London-Western Passaic-Eastern Passaic-Hudson-Western

Bergen-Eastern Bergen-Western Essex-Eastern Essex-Western Union-

Eastern Union-Orange-Putnam-Rockland-Northern Westchester-Southern

Westchester-New York (Manhattan)-Bronx-Richmond (Staten Island)-

Kings (Brooklyn)-Northwest Suffolk-Northeast Suffolk-Southwest

Suffolk-Southeast Suffolk-Northern Queens-Northern Nassau-Southern

Queens-Southern Nassau-

3:05 AM EDT Sun. Aug. 22, 2021

FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING

The Flood Watch is now in effect for

* Portions of southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey and southeast New York, including the following areas, in southern Connecticut, Northern Fairfield, Northern Middlesex, Northern New Haven, Northern New London, Southern Fairfield, Southern Middlesex, Southern New Haven and Southern New London. In northeast New Jersey, Eastern Bergen, Eastern Essex, Eastern Passaic, Eastern Union, Hudson, Western Bergen, Western Essex, Western Passaic and Western Union. In southeast New York, Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Northeast Suffolk, Northern Nassau, Northern Queens, Northern Westchester, Northwest Suffolk, Orange, Putnam, Richmond (Staten Island), Rockland, Southeast Suffolk, Southern Nassau, Southern Queens, Southern Westchester and Southwest Suffolk.

* Through Monday evening.

* A widespread rainfall of 5 to 10 inches is possible for the Lower Hudson Valley and portions of southern Connecticut, 3 to 6 inches is forecast elsewhere in association with Henri. Localized higher amounts will be possible through Monday evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

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