A "tornadic-like" thunderstorm roared through the region late Wednesday afternoon, July 12, delivering strong winds, heavy rains, and violent lightning. Meteorologists from the National Weather service confirmed that a tornado touched down in Greenwich. The photos below show the damage produced by the storm.
The most severe damage in southwestern Connecticut occurred on John Street in Old Greenwich. That's where residents said they saw a tornado touch down. Trees and utility poles were toppled, blocking access to John Street and several other roads, including Round Hill Road. Appearing on our morning newscast, Karen Olstein of Greenwich said, "I saw it (the tornado) uproot two of the trees and break off the branches. I saw it lift my pergola and dump it into my pool." As many as two thousand homes lost power during the height of the storm.
One witness says she looked out her window and saw a funnel cloud tearing its way through Riversville Road. The fallen tree created quite a mess in the area, forcing some residents to exit their cars on the roads and walk home. Crews remained on the scene for quite some time attempting to clear out the fallen trees.
Fortunately, quieter weather will be with us today and through the upcoming weekend. Today will feature plenty of clouds mixed with some sunshine and a chance of evening showers along the immdiate shoreline. It will be cooler and less humid with a high temperature in the upper 70s. The heat and humidity will return later this weekend, though, and a potential heat wave is shaping up for next week.
Have a good weekend.
Paul
