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Old Saybrook Emergency Management, 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT (2026)

09/27/2026

HYBRID NOR’EASTER CONTINUES IMPACTING OUR AREA HIGH WIND WARNINGS REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR SOUTHEASTERN CT

MODERATE IMPACT CONTINUES ON TREES AND POWER

WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES ISSUED...

High Wind Warnings remain in effect for New London and coastal Middlesex counties until noon. Wind Advisories are in effect for the rest of the state until noon. Coastal Flood Warnings are in effect for Fairfield and New Haven Counties with Flood Advisories in effect for coastal Middlesex and New London Counties from until 6:00 PM.

CURRENT CONDITIONS & FORECAST...

The center of the Hybrid Nor’Easter is currently located just to the east of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The storm is moving to the west at approximately 20 mph. The storm is forecast to reach the New Jersey in the next hour. At 9:45 AM northeast winds were gusting to 30 – 45 MPH across the state. At 9:45 AM UI and Eversource were reporting a total of approximately 29,634 customers without power across the state. Since the beginning of this storm, approximately 150,000 customers have been impacted and 120,000 of those have been
restored.

CURRENT TIDE CONDITIONS FOR OLD SAYBROOK...

The next high tides in Old Saybrook are expected around 11:32 AM today (4.59 ft), 12:10 PM Monday (4.71 ft), and 12:52 PM Tuesday (4.74 ft), with Tuesday’s tide currently predicted to be the highest of the next several days. However, because of the current storm, actual water levels can be significantly higher than these normal astronomical tide predictions. Strong northeast winds, storm surge, and wave action can push additional water onto the shoreline, and the National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for the area. This means that even though the predicted tide may be around 4.5–4.7 feet, the actual peak water level during the storm could be substantially higher, particularly in low-lying coastal areas and locations near the Connecticut River and shoreline.

WIND GUST FORECAST...

Wind gusts are forecast to continue to slowly subside over the next several hours. Winds are currently gusting to 35 – 45 MPH across the state and should subside to 25 – 35 MPH by early this afternoon.

09/26/2026

HYBRID NOR’EASTER NOW IMPACTING OUR AREA WITH RAIN AND STRONG WINDS. WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES ISSUED

Wind Advisories are in effect for the entire state until early Sunday morning. Coastal Flood Warnings are in effect for Fairfield and New Haven Counties with Flood Advisories in effect for coastal Middlesex and New London Counties from until 6:00 PM Sunday evening.

CURRENT CONDITIONS & FORECAST

The center of the Hybrid Nor’Easter is currently located approximately 200 miles east of the Del-Mar-Va Peninsula. The storm is moving to the north at 5–10 mph. The storm is forecast to move to the North Northeast today and then curve to the west tonight. The storm is forecast to reach the New Jersey shore by early Sunday afternoon. At 9:45 AM north northeast winds were gusting to 45–55 MPH along the coast and 30–40 MPH inland. At 9:45 AM UI and Eversource were reporting a total of approximately 15,227 customers without power across the state.

CURRENT TIDE CONDITIONS

Today, Saturday, September 26, the high tides in Old Saybrook are around 10:56 AM and 11:09 PM. On Sunday, September 27, they’re around 11:32 AM and 11:48 PM, with Sunday’s afternoon high reaching about 4.6 feet. Tides along the coast are currently running 2.4–2.7 feet above normal

MOST LIKELY RAINFALL SCENARIO

Based on a blend of computer model forecasts, towns can expect rainfall to range from 2”–4” across the state. The exact locations of the heaviest bands of rain will depend on the track of the storm. Higher totals are possible if any bands train over the same areas tonight or Sunday morning. Towns are advised to monitor these bands overnight and Sunday morning.

MAX WIND GUST FORECAST

The map to the right shows the current forecast from the NAMHRES model, which is closer to the worst case and indicates that northeast winds could gust to 55–65 mph along the coast and 50–60 MPH inland. The strongest winds are expected to occur as bands of heavy rain move across the state during today and into early tonight. The winds are then expected to slowly subside Sunday and Monday. When combined with heavy rainfall and saturated soil, these winds could result in a high-end moderate impact on trees and powerlines across the state, especially later today and into this evening.

WIND GUST FORECAST

Wind gusts, shown as blue bars on the graph, for the most likely scenario are forecast to continue increasing today, gusting to 55 MPH at times this afternoon and into this evening. The gusty winds are forecast to slowly taper down Sunday morning into Sunday afternoon. The worst case is shown as a dashed red line on the graph. Actual wind gusts are shown as a jagged red line.

COASTAL FLOODING FORECAST

Minor (orange) to moderate (red) flooding is expected along the coast. Moderate flooding is expected along the coast of Fairfield and New Haven counties during the high tides today at noon and again on Sunday at noon. The exact times and tide levels in MLLW are shown below. The highest impact is expected on Sunday. Minor flooding is expected along the coast of Middlesex and New London counties during the same time period. Towns can expect significant flooding of low-lying areas, with water 1.0–2.0 feet deep over low-lying roads. Astro Tide means Astronomical Tide, also known as normal high tide at this time of the month. TWL means Total Water Level, or Astro Tide plus Surge.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE IS CURRENTLY FAIR

Forecast confidence is good at this time. The introduction of tropical characteristics into the forecast is still causing some uncertainty. The major models are in good agreement; however, there remains uncertainty in the intensity of the Hybrid Nor’Easter as it approaches our area tonight. Towns should continue to plan for the reasonable worst case, such as one category higher than the forecast, just in case this storm intensifies more rapidly than expected.

09/25/2026

HYBRID NOR’EASTER WILL IMPACT OUR AREA THIS WEEKEND. WIND ADVISORIES ISSUED FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN CT. COASTAL FLOOD WARNINGS AND ADIVISORIES ISSUED

OVERALL SITUATION…

Most of the major computer models are now in fairly good agreement on the track of the weekend Nor’Easter. However, there are still some outliers with different tracks and intensities.

The general situation is for a low currently located approximately 250 east of the Virgina/North Carolina border to move north northwest over the next 36 hours and then curve to the west and move towards the New Jersey coast Sunday morning. This low is forecast to intensify into a Nor’Easter with some sub-tropical characteristics (strong winds around the center, tropical downpours) and some traditional Nor’Easter characteristics (strong winds around the outer circulation).

The following forecast will present the most likely scenario and a reasonable worst case for planning purposes in case the storm is stronger than expected and moves closer to our area.

Between today, Friday September 25, and Monday September 28, Old Saybrook’s high tides are running unusually high because the full moon occurs Saturday, September 26, producing stronger-than-normal astronomical tides. The tide forecast shows highs around 3.9–4.3 ft today, roughly 4.5–4.6 ft Saturday and Sunday, and about 4.9 ft Monday at the Old Saybrook/Ferry Point station. For Old Saybrook from today through Monday, the highest-risk periods for coastal flooding will be around the high tides, especially while the storm is affecting the shoreline. At Old Saybrook/Ferry Point, high tide is approximately 10:44 AM and 10:57 PM Friday, 11:21 AM and 11:34 PM Saturday, 11:57 AM Sunday, and 12:13 AM and 12:35 PM Monday; the exact times vary slightly by tide station. The Saturday morning high tide around 11:20 AM is particularly important because it coincides with the full moon, when tidal ranges are near their maximum. If the storm is producing persistent onshore winds or storm surge, that extra water can be added to the astronomical tide, making Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning the periods I'd watch most closely. The Sunday late-morning high tide around noon and Monday around 12:15 PM remain elevated, although the astronomical tide begins to ease after the full moon.

WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES ISSUED…

Wind Advisories have been issued for the entire state starting at 2:00 PM this afternoon until early Sunday morning. Coastal Flood Warnings have been issued for Fairfield and New Haven Counties with Flood Advisories issued for coastal Middlesex and New London Counties from 6:00 PM this evening until 6:00 PM Sunday evening.

MOST LIKELY SCENARIO…

The most likely scenario at this time is for the low 250 miles to the east of the Virgina/North Carolina border to move north northwest over the next 36 hours (with a loop in the storm track) and then curve to the west Saturday night, moving towards the New Jersey coast Sunday morning.

This low is forecast to intensify into a Nor’Easter with some sub-tropical characteristics (strong winds around the center, tropical downpours) and some traditional Nor’Easter characteristics (strong winds around the outer circulation). The minimum central pressure is expected to range between 985 – 990 millibars (a strong low pressure system).

If the Hybrid Nor’Easter follows this track, the impacts in Connecticut would be expected to range from minor to moderate.

REASONALBLE WORST CASE SCENARIO…

The reasonable worst case scenario at this time is for the low 250 miles to the east of the Virgina/North Carolina border to move more towards the north over the next 36 hours (with a loop in the storm track) and then curve to the west very close to the coast of Long Island Saturday night, moving towards the northern New Jersey coast Sunday morning.

This reasonable worst case low would be stronger (980 Millibars)
and more tropical (stronger winds around the center, more tropical downpours) with fewer traditional Nor’Easter characteristics (strong winds around the outer circulation).

If the Hybrid Nor’Easter follows the reasonable worst case track, the impacts in Connecticut could range moderate to isolated major impacts.

MOST LIKELY RAINFALL SCENARIO…

Based on the most likely track, the heaviest rainfall is currently expected to occur over Cape Cod and just south of Connecticut with 4” – 6 in those areas. In this scenario, Connecticut would receive 2” – 3.5 inches of rainfall. This rainfall is currently forecast to occur from tonight thru midnight to Monday and only cause very minor river or stream flooding.

WORST CASE RAINFALL SCENARIO…

The reasonable worst case scenario for planning purposes is represented by the current run of the ICON model which is indicating that a band of heavy rainfall could occur over most of the state between tonight and Monday morning.

If this occurs, towns could expect moderate river and stream flooding along with minor urban flooding aggravated by leaf clogged catch basins.

MOST LIKELY WIND SCENARIO…

The most likely scenario for winds represented by the GFS model, indicates that northeast gusts of 45 – 55 mph will move into the state this afternoon and continue into Sunday morning. These winds combined with moderate rainfall and wet soil could cause a borderline minor to moderate power impact with widespread power outages along the coast and numerous power outages across inland areas.

WORST CASE WIND SCENARIO…

The reasonable worst case wind scenario is currently represented by the HRRR model which indicates that northeast winds could gust to 50 – 65 mph. The strongest winds would be expected to occur from this evening to Saturday evening. The winds would then slowly subside on Sunday and Monday.

When combined with heavy rainfall and saturated soil, these winds could result in a moderate to major impact on trees and powerlines across the state especially during the day on Saturday.

TREE DAMAGE / POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

This hybrid Nor’easter will initially have some warm-core characteristics before transitioning to a cold-core system, which could result in a wind profile more similar to a tropical system than a typical Nor’easter.

• Prolonged Northeast Winds: Wind gusts of 40–60 mph are possible from approximately 5 PM Friday through 7 AM Sunday, creating a long-duration wind event.

• Saturated Ground: Soils are already wet, and an additional 2–4 inches of rainfall could further saturate the ground and reduce the ability of tree root systems to remain anchored.

• Fully Foliated Trees: Unlike a typical winter Nor’easter, when trees are largely bare, trees are currently fully foliated. Leaves significantly increase the surface area exposed to the wind, placing additional stress on limbs, trunks, and root systems.

• Combined Impact: The combination of strong, persistent northeast winds, saturated soils, heavy rainfall, and fully foliated trees could increase the potential for downed trees and tree limbs, blocked roadways, and power outages.

Key Message:

Even if peak wind gusts are not exceptionally high, the duration of the winds and vulnerability of fully foliated trees in saturated soils could make this a higher-impact tree damage event.

COASTAL FLOODING FORECAST…

Minor to moderate flooding is expected along the coast. Moderate flooding is expected along the coast of Fairfield and New Haven counties during three high tide cycles starting late Saturday morning, around midnight Saturday night and around noon on Sunday (exact times and tide levels in MLLW are shown below). The highest impact (close to major levels) is expected on Sunday. Minor flooding is expected along the coast of Middlesex and New London counties during the same time period. Towns can expect significant flooding of low-lying areas (water 1.5 – 2.5 feet deep over low lying roads).

Astro Tide – Astronomical Tide (AKA Normal High Tide at this time of the month) TWL – Total Water Level (Astro Tide + Surge)
BEACH EROSION

A long-duration period of elevated water levels and wave action will increase the potential for significant beach erosion and impacts to vulnerable coastal roadways.

• Long Island Sound Waves: Waves of 4–6 feet are expected across Long Island Sound, increasing to 6–8 feet across eastern portions of the Sound.

• Long-Duration Event: The most significant coastal impacts are expected from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon, allowing multiple tide cycles and prolonged wave action to affect the shoreline.

• Beach Erosion: Persistent wave action on top of elevated water levels could result in significant erosion of beaches and other exposed shoreline areas, particularly during times of high tide.

• Vulnerable Coastal Roads: Low-lying and flood-prone coastal roadways could experience inundation (1.5 – 2.5 feet), wave splash-over, debris, and potentially sand deposition, particularly around high tide.

Key Message:

This is not just a single high-tide concern. Prolonged onshore flow, 4–8 foot waves, elevated astronomical tides, and a 3–4 foot storm surge could produce repeated coastal impacts and substantial beach erosion, and some structural damage through multiple tide cycles.

RESIDENT PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Charge electronics, fuel vehicles, use generators so that exhaust is away from entering homes.

Residents can stay prepared for possible storm impacts by following along with trusted local news networks or other public safety channels. Here are a few tips for Connecticut residents to consider going into this weekend:

Check on neighbors and those who may be differently abled; ensure they have the information and resources they need for a multi-day rain event.

While flooding impacts seem unlikely, it’s good to remember that if you approach a flooded roadway, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Floodwaters can be deeper than expected.

If you live in an area prone to flooding and have propane tanks please tie them down. If you aren’t using the tanks, shut them off.
Share information from trusted news sources such as local television networks and news outlets. By avoiding spreading misinformation, you can better prepare your friends and family.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE IS CURRENTLY FAIR

Forecast confidence is approaching good. The introduction of tropical characteristics into the forecast is still a reason for concern. The major models are in good agreement, however, there remain a few outliers (e.g. the ICON model) and towns should continue to plan for the reasonable worst case (e.g. one category higher than the forecast) just in case this storm intensifies more rapidly and moves closer to our area.

09/24/2026

EARLY SEASON NOR’EASTER STILL EXPECTED TO IMPACT OUR AREA THIS WEEKEND. WIND ADVISORIES ISSUED FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN CT

Wind Advisories have been issued for all of Hartford, Tolland, Windham, Middlesex and New London Counties and the coast of Fairfield and New Haven counties starting at noon on Friday.
Most of the major computer models are only in fair agreement on the track of the weekend Nor’Easter. There are several outliers (see next slide) with widely different tracks and intensities.

Based on a blend of the major models, the most likely track is shown to the right. The Nor’Easter is expected to form well off the Virginia coast Friday morning and move north on Friday before turning to the northwest and west south of Long Island on Saturday and Sunday. The storm finally exits to the northeast away from our area Monday and Tuesday.

This track could bring an extended period of moderate wind and rain to our area from Saturday to Monday. A few of the Higher Resolution short range models (NAMHRES, RRFS AI) are forecasting a more southerly track and a much stronger storm (possibly tropical) impacting the mid-Atlantic.

This scenario would keep the strong winds south of our area, however heavier rainfall could work into the area by late Sunday as the storm passes to our southeast and continue into the day on Monday. Based on the most likely track, the heaviest rainfall is currently expected to occur over Cape Cod and southeast of Connecticut with 4” – 6 in those areas. In this scenario, Connecticut would receive 1.5 – 3.5 inches of rainfall. This rainfall is currently forecast to occur from Friday at midnight to Sunday at midnight.

The worst case scenario for planning purposes is represented by the current run of the GFS model which is indicating that a band of very heavy rainfall could stall over Long Island and reach into southwestern CT. If this occurs, towns in southwestern CT could see heavy rain on Saturday totaling 4” – 6”. However, it’s too early for any actionable forecasts on this scenario.

The more likely scenario for winds indicates that northeast gusts of 45 – 60 mph could move into the state during the day on Friday and continue into Sunday morning. These winds could cause a moderate power impact with widespread power outages occurring in most towns across the state.

Tides are currently running a little more than a foot above normal along the coast. As water piles up somewhat in Long Island Sound over the next few days, tide departures may reach 3 - 4 feet in some areas resulting in moderate coastal flooding. This flooding is not expected to be major at this time.

Residents can stay prepared for possible storm impacts by following along with trusted local news networks or other public safety channels. Here are a few tips for Connecticut residents to consider going into this weekend:

Check on neighbors and those who may be differently abled; ensure they have the information and resources they need for a multi-day rain event.

While flooding impacts seem unlikely, it’s good to remember that if you approach a flooded roadway, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Floodwaters can be deeper than expected. Share information from trusted news sources such as local television networks and news outlets. By avoiding spreading misinformation, you can better prepare your friends and family.

Forecast confidence is still only fair at this time. The introduction of tropical characteristics into the forecast has increased uncertainty in the track and intensity forecast. As the models sort out this new tropical potential, confidence should slowly improve over the next 24 hours as the storm develops off the mid-Atlantic coast and the models have a low pressure center to focus on

09/13/2026

Elm St at the railroad overpass is closed due to high water. There are low hanging wires around town, use caution especially on Bokum Rd.

09/13/2026

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning to Old Saybrook until 12:30pm.

09/13/2026

Current radar at 7:35 AM shows a cluster of very heavy showers moving into southwestern CT at this time. These heavy showers will move across the state over the next 4 - 6 hours.

Rainfall rates in some of these showers may briefly exceed 3” per hour. Flash Flood Warnings have been issued for southern Fairfield County until 10:00 AM.

Flood Watches are in effect for southern Fairfield County and all of New Haven, Middlesex, New London and Windham Counties. Flood Watches are in effect until 2:00 PM this afternoon except for Windham County which is in effect until 6:00 PM.

The short-range high-resolution HRRR model is currently forecasting that a band of heavy rainfall will move across southern and southeastern CT this morning. Total rainfall amounts are forecast to range from 1” – 3” with a few towns perhaps seeing amounts up to 4 - 6”.

Towns are advised to closely monitor any cells of extremely heavy rainfall moving in their direction this morning. Towns can expect brief torrential downpours lasting up to 60 minutes in some cases.

The greatest risk from this event is expected to be from torrential downpours which are likely to cause urban flooding.

No significant threats exist for severe weather with this event.

07/28/2026

POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY RAIN AND FLASH FLOODING LATER TODAY THRU THE DAY ON WEDNESDAY

FLOOD WATCHES ISSUED... The National Weather Service has issued Flood Watches for most of the state (except Windham and New London Counties) from 2:00 PM this afternoon until 8:00 PM tomorrow evening.

STORM SCENARIO... Some scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon in Western CT which may contain heavy rain, however, the main storm impact is expected tonight and Wednesday.

Tonight, a slow-moving low-pressure system is forecast to form in Pennsylvania and move very slowly to the east Wednesday morning. This moisture packed low is forecast to push a wide area of heavy rain into our area tonight and into the day on Wednesday.

MODERATE RISK OF EXCESSIVE RAINFALL... The NOAA Storm Prediction Center has placed Western Connecticut, Southeastern New York and Northern New Jersey into the Moderate Risk Category for excessive rainfall on Wednesday. Central CT is in the Slight Risk and Eastern CT is in the Marginal Risk Category
Moderate risk is fairly rare and towns, especially in Western CT are advised to closely monitor their areas for heavy rainfall and flooding during the next 36 – 48 hours.

TOTAL RAINFALL FORECASTS... The short-range high-resolution models (UK, NAMHRES and HRRR) are still in disagreement on the location of the heaviest bands of rainfall. All three models are indicating that a band of 3” – 6” of rain will form either in Southeastern New York or Western CT. Within this band, training of thunderstorms could generate much higher rainfall amounts of 5” – 10”. It’s not possible to determine the exact location of the heaviest bands until they develop tonight and into the day on Wednesday.

Hazards Expected The primary threat from this storm is expected to be from heavy rainfall (rates of 1” – 2” per hour). The most vulnerable locations are expected to be in urban areas and along streams and moderate sized rivers such as the Housatonic, Quinnipiac and Farmington. No significant threat of severe weather is expected.

APPROXIMATE HEAVY RAINFALL TIMING... Shown to the right is a forecast from the HRRR model showing the expected up and down intensity of the rainfall over the next 36 hours. Another aspect of this storm may be orographic lifting which is the tendency for the heaviest rain to occur on the eastern sides of hills as moisture is pushed into our area from the southeast.

07/21/2026

Current radar is showing a cluster heavy showers and hunderstorms approaching Fairfield county. Rainfall rates within these storms may reach 4 inches per hour in a few towns.

This cluster is moving slowly and towns in the path of these storms need to prepare for some urban and small stream flooding.

NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center has placed the entire state and southern New England into the Slight Risk Category for excessive rainfall today.

Slight Risk is defined as a 15% chance for excessive rainfall within 25 miles of any point within the slight risk area. NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center has placed western Connecticut into the Slight Risk Category for severe thunderstorms later today.

The SPC is forecasting that any thunderstorms that develop will have a 15% chance for strong winds, 5% for tornadoes and a 5% chance for large hail. The highest risk for all three hazards is in western CT.

The most likely period for severe thunderstorms is from 2:00 – 9:00 PM.

07/11/2026

Important information from the CT Water Company in the below link.

https://www.ctwater.com/contact-help-center/service-alerts/

Old Saybrook Emergency Management

09/27/2026

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