Winter Weather Advisory, High Wind Warning Issued For Madison And Surrounding Towns

A historic early season snowstorm has been predicted for southern Connecticut, sections of the lower Hudson Valley and northeast New Jersey, the National Weather Service says. 

A high wind warning, winter weather advisory, coastal flood advisory and hazardous weather outlook have been issued for Madison and surrounding towns. The high wind warning goes into effect at 4 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Sunday; the winter weather advisory goes into effect at 8 a.m. Saturday until 8 a.m. Sunday; and the coastal flood advisory goes into effect goes into effect at 10 p.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday. The hazardous weather outlook is for southern Connecticut, the National Weather Service (NWS) says.

Madison First Selectman Fillmore McPherson said that the road crews are ready to be called into action if necessary.

"We could have a snowstorm coming, the road crews are ready with the plows to make sure the roads are safe," McPherson said. "We have a full complement of crews ready to go."

The National Weather Service (NWS) said southern New Haven County could get two to four inches of wet snow. The good news there is that the earlier prediction was three to seven inches.

North winds with gusts of up to 60 mph possible

Portions of southeast Connecticut could see strong and damaging north winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, the NWS says. "The highest gusts will be Saturday evening through early Sunday morning," the NWS said. "Temperatures will be in the lower 40s, falling into the lower to mid-30s Saturday evening. Visibilities will be less than one miles at times."

Heavy rain is expected to develop after daybreak on Saturday, then change to snow late Saturday afternoon into early Saturday evening.

The NWS warned of widespread hazardous travel conditions due to reduced visibilities and snow-covered roads.

Widespread power outages possible

"The combination of strong winds and heavy wet snow will result in downed trees, tree limbs, and power lines. The damage could be quite extensive with the potential for widespread power outages," the NWS said.  "A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving."

The extended forecast for Madison and surrounding towns is as follows:

Saturday: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 44. Northeast wind between 7 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Saturday night: Rain before 11pm, then rain and snow. The rain could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 35. Windy, with a north wind between 21 and 30 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday: A chance of rain and snow before 8am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 45. North wind between 16 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North wind between 3 and 9 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. North wind at 6 mph becoming east.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 53.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

This article was updated at 11 p.m. Friday night and 5:50 a.m. Saturday.