Severe Thunderstorms Cause Flooding Throughout Southwestern Connecticut

The severe thunderstorms which ripped through southwestern Connecticut early yesterday afternoon delivered heavy rain, vivid lightning, and gusty winds. Torrential rains caused headaches for many commuters. Officially, nearly two-and-a-half inches of rain (2.41") fell at Sikorsky Memorial Airport Thursday, which established a record for the date.

Ralph Fato sent the following photos of flooded roads in Darien. Unfortunately, more showers and thunderstorms are expected later this afternoon as the atmosphere remains moist and unstable. Some of the thunderstorms may be severe with heavy rain, gusty winds, and small hail. Today's high temperature will reach the low-to-mid 70s with an East wind.

Just about three inches of rain (2.98") has fallen over the last two days, bringing the monthly rainfall total to nearly a half-foot (5.96"). Consider the normal monthly rain is 2.73" through yesterday. We've had more than that in less than 48 hours! The yearly rain total is 28.92" which more than a half-foot above the 21.55" normal.

The weather may have played a role in a fatal accident on the Merritt Parkway yesterday. State police are investigating a deadly tree accident which happened on the southbound side of the parkway between exits 34 and 35 in Stamford. Police say the driver of the car was killed by a falling tree, ripped from its roots along the southbound shoulder.

Authorities in Bridgeport say flooding got so severe in some areas that several motorists got stranded in their cars and had to be rescued. Officials say both Barnum and West avenues were under 3 feet of water, as traffic flow slowed to a crawl during heavy downpours. The baseball field at Gould Manor Park in Fairfield was completely flooded, too.

Much better weather is expected by the latter half of the weekend. Tomorrow will be partly sunny with scattered showers and thunderstorms, but it won't be a washout. High temperatures will reach the upper 70s to close to 80. Sunday will be mostly sunny and less humid with a high near 80. Have a good weekend.

Paul