Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued for Ridgefield

By Brian McCready

The big weather story in Connecticut Thursday is the strong winds that have knocked out power for thousands of residents across the state, and the winds show no signs of going away today.

It will be sunny today but temps are freefalling into the low 40s and winds could hit 50 mph at times this morning and during the day. On Monday, we wrote there was a chance of some snow on Friday and it now appears that we may see some flurries but no accumulation is expected and the chances of seeing snowflakes are not even 50 percent.

Because of the strong winds, the National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning and Hazardous Weather Outlook, which is in effect until 11 a.m. for southern Connecticut and until 7 p.m. in northern Connecticut.

In southern Connecticut, you can expect gusts from 15 to 30 mph and some gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph and in northern Connecticut gusts will be 20 to 30 mph and up to 45 to 55 mph at times.

NBC Connecticut Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan wrote, “Anyone else woken up by the wind this morning? So far the peak gust is 50 mph at Bradley.”

Hanrahan said once the wind quiets the big news will be the sudden return to winter this weekend as temps freefall again Friday night and most parts of the state won’t see 30 degrees on Saturday. It will be a bit warmer on Sunday but still very cold.

The good news is that the temps will rebound quickly and outside of a flurry or two on Friday afternoon no snow is in the 7-day forecast.

WTNH News 8 Meteorologist Gil Simmons wrote, “Here's a look at the wind chill at noon today. 20s. Dress warmly when you leave this morning. The temp is going to drop and it will be windy!”

Here’s an updated look at the weather forecast:

• Today: Temps near 40 only and winds 20 to 25 mph with some gusts near 50 mph.
• Friday: Less than 50 percent chance of snow showers after 12 p.m. Temps near 40 and it feels much colder.
• Saturday: We won’t hit the freezing mark. Mostly sunny though.
• Sunday: Mid 30s and more sun.
• Monday: Celebrate the return of 50 degrees and more sunshine.

Image via Accuweather.com