Wind Gusts May Reach 50 mph Saturday, EOCs Open

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a wind advisory for Hartford and Tolland Counties and much of Connecticut. The advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Winds may reach speeds of 20 to 30 mph throughout the day and gusts may be as fast as 55 mph. The NWS predicts prevailing winds from the west will build strength through Saturday morning and be strongest during the day before slowing down in the evening.

Smaller tree limbs and branches will be felled by winds reaching the predicted speeds. Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) is opening its emergency operations center (EOC) in Berlin at 5 a.m. Saturday to deal with possible power outages caused by the winds.

Line and tree crews have been set up across the state and are ready to work, according to CL&P.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy is partially opening the state’s EOC Saturday, according to the Hartford Courant. The center will track and follow the high winds and react as necessary.

CLP provided these four reminders for its customers to remember during the storm:

• “Any storm could result in power outages, so we urge all customers to be prepared with a ‘Lights Out’ kit containing a flashlight, fresh water, prescription medicine, prepared foods, cash and other items needed if the lights go out. It's also wise to fill your car's gas tank.”
• “Report your power outage by calling CL&P at 800-286-2000. Our automated phone system rapidly processes your report and helps us speed restoration efforts. It also provides restoration estimates as soon as they’re available.”
• “Stay away from all downed wires. Assume any downed, hanging or burning power lines are live and dangerous and call 911 immediately. If a power line falls on your vehicle while you’re inside, stay there. Don’t touch anything outside the vehicle and wait for emergency crews.”
• “Before operating a generator, make sure it has been properly installed by a licensed electrician. Improperly installed generators can feed electricity back into power lines and pose a deadly situation for our line workers. Always operate generators outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide hazards.”

Relatively light household and outdoor items like trash cans and plastic furniture will be moved easily if the winds reach predicted speeds, according to the NWS. Bring lighter items into the home or a storage area to prevent possible damage or property loss.

The NWS also advises extra caution while driving during the advisory. The winds may be strong enough to disrupt automobiles on the road, especially tall vehicles like SUVs.

The area forecast is devoid of other weather hazards Saturday, with no snow or rain predicted.

A high wind warning, which is a more severe notice of hazardous conditions, is in effect for much of the day in Windham County, most of eastern Massachusetts and all of Rhode Island.