Storm Update

Please review the important storm related  message from Salem Emergency Management.

In preparation, I have been in contact with our Emergency Services, Emergency Management,  and Public Works Departments as well as our CT State Police  Resident Troopers

Ed Chmielewski
Salem First Selectman

A Coastal storm is approaching that is similar to last weekend, but predicted to bring heavier winds. Ground saturation may present flooding in some areas and bring trees down. Eversource has activated their storm protocols with high potential of power outages.

The Town of Salem Emergency Management is monitoring the situation and in communication with the State along with Eversource. If the storm continues on its predicted path, Salem's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), will be partially activated prior to the predicted highest storm impact. The latest prediction forecast from the state is below.

Please prepare for electrical outages and potential wind driven damage. Visit Eversource's web page for generator safety tips and contact information to report downed trees or power outages.

Further information will be provided as obtained.

Respectfully,
Michael Bednarz
Emergency Manager, Town of Salem

POWERFUL DECEMBER STORM MOVING UP THE COAST…FLOOD WATCHES WILL GO INTO EFFECT LATER THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING…HIGH WIND WARNINGS WILL GO INTO EFFECT AT MIDNIGHT…

At 2:00 pm some drizzle and light showers were falling across the state with east winds along the coast gusting to 20 - 25 mph at times.  A large low pressure system is currently located along the Georgia coast.  This low is forecast to intensify into a significant December storm as it moves north towards New England over the next 18 hours.  Computer model forecasts continue to predict that this storm will bring strong winds, moderate to heavy rainfall and minor to moderate river, stream and coastal flooding to our area tonight and during the day on Monday.  Here’s the latest blended forecast from the GFS, NAMHRES and HRRR models:

This Evening: Moderate rain spreading into the state from the south around 6:00 pm with southeast winds at 25 MPH increasing and gusting to 40 MPH along the coast by midnight.  Only minor impacts on evening travel are expected with a few scattered power outages before midnight.  Note: There will likely be airport delays also.

Overnight: Moderate to occasionally heavy rain with southeast winds increasing overnight.  Gusts may reach 55 – 65 MPH at times along the coast and in the northwest and northeast hills by daybreak.  Wind gusts of 40 – 50 MPH are expected in valley locations.  Numerous power outages are expected with several limbs and trees downed because of the wet unfrozen soil.  Some minor urban flooding may occur along with minor river and stream flooding.  Rainfall rates are expected to stay below 1” per hour.  Minor coastal flooding is expected at the time of high tide just after 1:00 AM in eastern Long Island Sound and just after 3:00 AM in western Long Island Sound.  Low lying roads may be flooded.   

Monday Morning: Moderate to occasionally heavy rain is expected with strong south southeast winds during the morning rush hour.  Winds may gust to 55 – 65 MPH at the coast and 40 – 55 MPH inland causing a moderate impact especially for high profile vehicles.  A moderate impact on power outages is expected. 

Monday Afternoon: The strong winds and rainfall are expected to begin tapering off early in the afternoon. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected at the time of high tide around 1:30 PM in eastern Long Island Sound and around 3:30 PM in western Long Island Sound.  Low lying roads and a few low lying structures may be flooded.

DESPP / DEMHS will continue to closely monitor the latest forecasts.  Another update will be sent out this evening at 8:00 PM.

STATUS OF THE STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER: MONITORING