Long lines at the Exxon gas station pumps on Post Road East were repeated across Westport as residents fueled up Saturday in advance of Hurricane Henri, which on Sunday was downgraded to a tropical storm. / Photo by Gretchen Webster

WESTPORT — Henri, weaker and still shifting eastward, has been officially downgraded Sunday from hurricane to tropical storm status by the National Hurricane Center.

The storm’s northeasterly movement also is slowing, but Westport and the rest of southwestern Connecticut remain under both a “tropical storm” and “storm surge” warnings as of 9 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

The thrust of heavy rain and gusting winds — which still could range from about 40 to 70 mph — now is expected to hit the region later Sunday. Earlier forecasts indicated the full force of the storm would be felt in Westport overnight Saturday.

The center of Henri, after moving east overnight, now appears poised to make landfall in central Rhode Island.

Although the threat of an intense storm, causing extensive power outages and flooding in the Westport area, appears to be diminishing, local emergency officials still urge residents to remain home and continue to take precautions.

Westport Emergency Management Team’s latest advice

  • Do not go sightseeing! Roads must be kept clear for emergency vehicles.
  • Do not drive through floodwaters or over wires. Stay clear of downed power lines at least 25 feet.
  • Do not drive around barrier tape or barricades.
  • Stay inside and away from windows.
  • Stay informed using social media and radio WWPD-90.3 FM.

Sunday storm checklist

  • Westport’s beaches, marina and golf course closed Sunday.
  • Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, as well as other state parks and forest areas, closed Sunday.
  • Rail service on Metro-North’s entire New Haven line and Amtrak, from New York to Boston, suspended till further notice.
  • Motorcycles, empty tractor-trailer trucks and tandem-trailer trucks banned from Interstate-95 as of 11 a.m. Sunday.
  • Residents in flood-prone areas can move vehicles to Saugatuck Train Station lot #8.
  • Stay informed. Check local radio, town social media, news channels or weather apps/websites for the latest updates. Sign up for NIXLE alerts from the town’s Emergency Operations Center. Text: 06880 to 888 777
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