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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. Hurricane Irene will hit Fairfield County at about 11 a.m. Sunday with heavy winds and up to 10 inches of rain, Gov. Dannel Malloy said during a news conference Saturday night as heavy downpours began hitting the region.
Though the storm was weakening Saturday night, an increase in the prediction for the amount of rain could mean rivers and streams are more likely to flood, Malloy said. He also said a change in weather conditions could mean hurricane force winds will continue after the storm starts to move out of Connecticut on Sunday afternoon.
"Essentially, it's a lot of wind late in the day with gusts that will equal hurricane gusts," Malloy said.
"In terms of wind damage, we're concerned about the length of time the storm will be in the state."
He also warned residents along Long Island Sound that the storm will hit during high tide, increasing the severity of the storm surge of unusually high waves that may hit the coast. State officials will monitor the conditions of roads and are prepared to close them particularly the Merritt Parkway because of the tall trees that line it.
"We expect to close a lot of roads," he said.
Mobile cell-phone towers are being moved into the state to assist with recovery. Malloy asked people to limit cell phone use during and after the storm so as not to clog service.
Along with a hurricane warning, a tornado watch is in effect for Fairfield County until 5 a.m., Sunday, the National Weather Service says. Winds during the day Sunday will blow at 55 to 75 mph, the Weather Service says.
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