Irene Downgraded To Tropical Storm; Dangerous Storm Surge, Waves; Tornados Possible Later

The Huffington Post is reporting 14 deaths in six states from Hurricane Irene.

The National Weather Service is reporting the following:

 An extremely dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 4 to 8 feet above ground level from western portions of Long Island Sound eastward along the southern coasts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The highest surges will occur near upper parts of bays and inlets. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large, destructive and life-threatening waves. Higher than normal astronomical tides are occurring this weekend. Coastal and river flooding will be highest in areas where the peak surge occurs around the time of high tide. Storm tide and surge values are very location-specific.

 Irene is expected to weaken and become a post-tropical storm tonight. Currently, Irene has been downgraded to a tropical storm with tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 320 miles from the center of the storm. Irene is moving toward the north-northeast near 26 mph.

 Irene is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains, combined with heavy rains over the past few weeks could cause widespread flooding, life-threatening flash floods, and significant uprooting of trees due to rain-softened grounds. Winds, tropical storm force winds will spread northward into Northern New England and Atlantic Canada today. Winds affecting the upper floors of high-rise buildings could be significantly stronger than those near ground level.

Isolated tornados are possible over southern New England this afternoon.

The forecast for Madison and surrounding towns is as follows:

Tropical Storm Warning
Flood Warning
Flood Watch
Hazardous Weather Outlook

This Afternoon: Tropical storm conditions. Showers likely, mainly before 3pm. Southwest wind 33 to 43 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph.

Tonight: Tropical storm conditions possible. A chance of showers, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 59. West wind 31 to 36 mph decreasing to between 9 and 14 mph. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. West wind between 7 and 9 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 80. North wind between 5 and 7 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 75.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.