New Haven, Connecticut – A fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms is sweeping across Connecticut this afternoon, bringing 60 mph wind gusts, hail and frequent lightning that could down trees and cut power from Fairfield County to New Haven, Waterbury and Hartford. Drivers on I-95, the Merritt Parkway, I-84 and I-91 should expect sudden white-out rain and debris on lanes as storms cross the metro corridors.
According to the National Weather Service, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings cover parts of New Haven, Fairfield, Hartford and Litchfield counties, with storms moving east at 35–40 mph. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday for southern Connecticut, with additional warnings likely as the line advances.
Torrington, Litchfield, and the lower Housatonic Valley face quarter-size hail and damaging straight-line winds. In the I-95 corridor, Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Milford and New Haven could see tree limbs down and isolated transformer fires. If you’re outdoors, move inside immediately. Secure loose items, avoid flooded roads, charge devices and keep flashlights ready. On the roads, slow down, increase following distance and never shelter under an overpass.
The severe threat eases from west to east by early evening, but lingering thunderstorms and dangerous lightning remain possible. Additional advisories may follow if new storms redevelop.
