Thunderstorms expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds Thursday night; Yellow Alert issued

Weather alerts

Our First Alert Weather team has issued a Yellow Alert for Thursday night into Friday morning due a fast-moving line of storms capable of producing heavy rain, thunder and gusty winds.

What to expect

We could experience gusts up to 50 mph along our coastal communities. We're also anticipating some heavy downpours and sub-severe storms that can make morning travel challenging. Widespread minor to locally moderate coastal flooding is possible, especially along the South Shore of Long Island. Locations that typically flood will likely have some inundation during high tide cycles. This could be enhanced by the remnant gravitational pull of our new moon and fresh rainfall.

The good news is that we have the strongest activity during the overnight hours, but we could be waking up to scattered wind damage. The other "good" news would be the lowered river flooding threat this time around. It's not impossible we see some swollen rivers, but the wavering flooding potential has landed just to our west, not over our local flood plain like the last few systems.

Local alerts and advisories

A Wind Advisory is in effect from 2-8 a.m. Friday for gusts 35-45 mph with some impulses over 50 mph possible over Long Island and shoreline communities. Southern Connecticut could also see stronger gusts.

Because of the high winds, the MTA is banning empty tractor trailers and tandem trucks on its seven bridges from 10 p.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Friday.

There are also Coastal Flood Advisories and Gale Warnings. 

How much rain will we get?

Rainfall is not our biggest threat this time, but there are embedded strong cells associated w/this system that could put down heavy downpours potentially leading to ponding on roads. 

Overall totals: .75 - 1.5 inches. Locally higher numbers possible in training storm lines.

Storm timeline

Thursday night through 1 a.m. Friday: Waves of showers and isolated downpours. Winds pick up, closer to 30 mph.

1-7 a.m. Friday: We kick it up a few gears, the brunt of our storm. Waves of heavy downpours and gusty winds along the coastline. Wind damage possible. Mainly tree limbs and unsecured object could be blown around.

Travel will be hazardous during these hours. Gusts to 50 mph likely on Long Island.

7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday: Scattered leftovers. A gusty downpour is possible after a lull mid-morning. Winds will pivot and shift westerly, so expect the breezes to stick around Friday. Gusts to 35-plus mph.