(WFSB) – Strong winds and heavy rain hit Connecticut on Friday.
The forecast prompted Channel 3 to issue a First Alert Weather Day due to concerns about the potential for downed power lines and trees that could impact drivers.
The forecast
The conditions had been in the forecast for most of the week.
“The wind will also intensify,” said meteorologist Scot Haney. “Gusts between 40 and 50 mph are expected across most of Connecticut. The southeastern shoreline and northern Litchfield Hills will see gusts up to and over 50 mph.”
The worst conditions are expected late morning and early afternoon.
“Downpours will impact the morning commute,” Haney said. “A few embedded rumbles of thunder are expected too.”
View Channel 3’s interactive live radar here.
Power outages reported
The combination of strong winds and saturated ground from rainfall made trees more susceptible to falling.
Power outages were anticipated. As of 10:30 a.m., Eversource reported more than 5,030. United Illuminating listed 3,031.
Road closures in place
The weather conditions led to road closures and traffic delays as crews responded to downed trees or power lines blocking roadways.
The state Department of Transportation reported:
- WILTON – Route 7 (Danbury Road) CLOSED in both directions at Scribner Hill Road because of a tree down. Reported Friday, December 19 at 10:23 am.
- KENT – Kent RT-341 Macedonia Rd CLOSED between Macedonia Brook Rd and Schaghticoke Rd because of Wires Down. Reported Friday, December 19 at 8:55 am.
Norwalk police said around 10:35 a.m. that Water Street was closed from Hanford Place to Concord Street due to standing water.
A portion of Water Street in Norwalk was closed on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, because of standing water, police reported.(Norwalk police)
Coventry emergency officials posted around 9:30 a.m. that Main Street was closed between Sam Green and Fern for wires down in the roadway.
A portion of Route 4 Burlington Road in Harwinton was closed at one point, but it has since reopened.
For real-time traffic updates, check the Channel 3 First Alert traffic map here.
Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind periods and to report any downed power lines to utility companies immediately.
Stay up to date on the forecast with the technical discussion from Channel 3’s meteorologists here.
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