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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. A hurricane watch remains in effect from Sunday morning as Irene travels through New Jersey and heads toward Connecticut with landfall expected in the Stamford area at about 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service and Gov. Dannel Malloy.
There is also a flood watch and tornado watch until 11 a.m. as heavy rains continue to swell local rivers and streams and as a storm surge of more than 4 feet is forecast at high tide as the hurricane arrives in Connecticut, Malloy said.
A number of road closures are reported throughout the state, including the closure of the entire stretch of the Merritt and Wilbur Cross Parkways, also known as Route 15. Although the parkways are closed, Malloy said there are no barriers at the entrance and exit ramps. "With wind gusts, [saw] horses become projectiles," he said of the more than 50 mph wind gusts. "As winds pick up, we can't guard every downed tree and wire." Many trees have reportedly fallen on the road as well as the entrance and exit ramps at various locations on the Merritt, including in Stamford and Fairfield.
A statewide ban on tractor-trailers is also in effect. Municipalities report localized traffic problems due to downed trees and power lines as well as non-working traffic lights. Other road closures include, according to the state Department of Transportation:
In New Canaan, Route 123 closed at Michigan Road with a tree down.
In Darien, Route 106 closed at Camp Avenue with a tree down.
In Weston, Route 53 closed at Ladder Hill Road and Route 53 closed at Redding town line due to trees down.
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