UPDATE: Storm Systems Weakens, Spares East Haven

UPDATE at 8:45 p.m.

All severe thunderstorm watches and warnings for New Haven and the rest of Connecticut have now been cancelled.

East Haven and much of the immediate shoreline appears to have dodged a potentially destructive bullet, as earlier in the afternoon the same storm system wreaked havoc — including at least one confirmed tornado — in the Sothern Tier portion of upstate New York.

However, there is still a risk for additional thunderstorms to pass through the Connecticut shoreline area overnight. None are expected to be severe.

Although there was a significant amount of lightning with the storm as it passed through area, United Illuminated at this time has no reported power outages in East Haven.

The showers and potential for storms continues through to Saturday evening. Tomorrow's high should reach about 87 degrees.

UPDATE at 7:15 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for New Haven County through to 8:30 p.m.

East Haven is looking at potentially 60 mile-per-hour winds.

Gov. Dannel Malloy also opened the earlier this afternoon in advance of the storm.

East Haven Patch will continue to provide updates on today's expected severe weather as it develops.

UPDATE at 9:40 a.m.

The National Weather Service's "Storm Prediction Center" has just updated its moderate risk zone for severe weather today: and it now features much of southwestern New England — including East Haven.

East Haven Patch will continue to provide updates on today's expected severe weather as it develops.

ORIGINAL STORY (Thursday 8:50 a.m.)

It might be a good idea to bring in those lawn chairs and take down that patio umbrella this morning, because it's going to be a stormy one in East Haven today.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the shoreline and much of the rest of the state, warning that lines of severe thunderstorms are expected to impact the region throughout the day.

Tornado 'Cannot Be Ruled Out'

"Damaging winds and heavy rainfall are the main threats," the meteorologists stated in their report.

They added that large hail is possible as well — and noted that "an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out."

The bulk of the intense weather is predicted for this afternoon and evening, but could begin in the late morning.

East Haven Forecast

The stormy skies and rain in East Haven are expected to continue into tomorrow morning and through to late Saturday night.

The following is the immediate forecast from the weather service:

• Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 11am and noon. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.