Governor Lamont Declares State of Emergency As Henri Increases in Forward Speed

Tropical Storm Henri is projected to soon strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane.

Forecast track of Henri is converging, likely to make landfall across Eastern Long Island and Southeast Connecticut on Sunday.

As of Saturday morning, a Hurricane Warning came into effect for Eastern Long Island and coastal Southeast Connecticut.

Also, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for South West Connecticut and Southern Westchester.

Storm Surge Warnings are also in effect for southern Connecticut.

Governor Lamont declared a State of Emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Henri. He also ordered the activation of the State’s Emergency Operations Center

Governor Ned Lamont announced on Friday that since Tropical Storm Henri was projected to move toward Connecticut and strengthen to a hurricane before making landfall, he would request a presidential pre-landfall emergency declaration to provide the state with federal assistance in anticipation of the impacts of the storm.

Additionally, he issued a civil preparedness emergency to enable the state to take any actions necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of the people of Connecticut.

Per the National Weather Service, Henri has increased in forward speed, moving to the north faster than previously forecasted.

Confidence is increasing in damaging to destructive winds, major (life threatening) storm surge and flooding rains for Long Island and Connecticut.

Forecast precipitation amounts have increased and expanded to the west. Flood watches have been posted for the entire area.