Hermine Strengthens, Shifts East: Expect Storm Surge and High Winds in Overnight Hours

The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for “Hermine.” The NWS advises Hermine will impact Greenwich and coastal Fairfield County in the overnight hours between Sunday and Monday, and warns of Tropical Storm Conditions for Labor Day.

The good news is the storm had been moving north to north east, but as of mid day Sunday, began moving to the east.

Still, the Weather Channel warns the ocean will produce dangerous waves, rip currents and surf, with a storm surge in the range of 2-4 ft.

The Weather Channel Hurricane Center warns of coastal flooding, beach erosion and dangerous surf are possible over multiple tidal cycles.

On Sunday, meteorologist Gil Simmons warned that the roughest weather will occur late Sunday night, at daybreak on Monday (Labor day), with 40 mph gusts, and concern for coastal flooding. The rough weather will continue through midday Monday and pull way on Tuesday.

Simmons said to expect gusts to pick up to 30 miles per hour on Sunday afternoon along the coast and coastal flooding possible between 1:00 to 3:00pm.

During the overnight hours, between the 1-3am high tide cycle, Simmons warned of possible coastal flooding.

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Anticipating Super Storm Sandy the afternoon of October 29, 2012 as water rises onto the platform by the Island Beach Ferry in Greenwich. Credit: Leslie Yager

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Anticipating Super Storm Sandy the afternoon of October 29, 2012 as water rises onto the platform by the Island Beach Ferry in Greenwich. Credit: Leslie Yager

On Friday the Town of Greenwich warned residents to secure any outdoor furniture, decorations or garbage cans. Vulnerable property should be removed from low lying areas subject to being flooded.  For basements subject to flooding then items should be elevated from the floor.  Sump pumps should be checked.  Propane tanks should be turned off.  Mobile devices should be fully charged—remember that text messages may be easier to send then making phone calls during an emergency.  Gas tanks should be at least ¾ filled.

Additional safety information will be available at this website as well as www.ready.gov, and www.redcross.org.