Storm Unleashes 3-5" of Rain, Flood Watch in Effect [Update]

Update 9:15 a.m.

The bulk of the rain has moved past the Westport area at 7 a.m., according to National Weather Service radar images, but a flood watch remains in effect for the area through 6 p.m.

The service reports that three to five inches of rain had fallen across the region by around 7:30 a.m.

"Due to this heavy rainfall, many rivers and streams are above bankfull and continuing to rise. Moderate to major flooding is likely," it warns.

No power outages were reported in Westport as of 9:15 a.m.

Original Story

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Fairfield County through 3:30 a.m., an upgrade from its earlier flood watch.

"At 12:33 a.m. EST, Doppler radar indicated a large area of heavy rain moving across ... from south to north," the service warned. "Urban, poor drainage, and small stream flooding will occur."

"A flood warning means that flooding is imminent or has been reported. Stream rises will be slow and flash flooding is not expected. However, all interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately."

"This is a potentially dangerous situation," the service reported.

NWS forecasters have issued a separate urban and small stream flood advisory, warning that "excessive runoff will cause flooding of urban areas, highways, [and] streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage areas and low lying spots."

Gov. Dannel Malloy activated the state's Emergency Operations Center at 11 p.m. Thursday as a precaution for possible flooding.

"We're asking that any remaining snow pack you may have on your property or surrounding areas be moved away from storm drains and check to make sure your roofs are clear, as well," Malloy said in a statement.

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security warned towns to "very closely monitor this storm" and reported that "urban flooding is likely to begin after midnight in Southwestern Conn. with small streams and rivers rising above flood stage by 4:00 a.m."