Community Corner

Irene Expected in CT on Sunday

National Weather Service forecasts a 30-40 percent chance of tropical storm force winds from the system.

Hurricane Irene weakened slightly overnight as it pushed through the Bahamas, with maximum sustained winds now at 115 mph.

But the storm is expected to regain some strength on Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center, and a hurricane watch has been issued for the coast of North Carolina.

The center's latest projections show Irene pushing into Connecticut Sunday evening and weakening to a tropical storm by 2 a.m. Monday. Fairfield County is given a 30 to 40 percent chance of experiencing tropical storm force winds from the system.

Find out what's happening in New Canaanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Impacts from Hurricane Irene are likely from Saturday night into Sunday night," the National Weather Service advises. "The exact timing is still uncertain, but heavy rain causing flooding, strong winds, an coastal flooding will likely begin as early as Saturday night."

"Additional impacts from this system could be significant beach erosion, which could begin as early as Friday night as large swells from Irene begin to arrive," it adds. "Now is the time to review your and consider the steps necessary to implement this plan within the next couple of days."

Find out what's happening in New Canaanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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