National Hurricane Center’s color-coded graphic forecasting rainfall from Hurricane Henri. / National Hurricane Center

WESTPORT — No longer a tropical storm, Hurricane Henri at midday Saturday is on a trajectory placing southern Connecticut squarely in its crosshairs.

The Category 1 hurricane, swirling in the Atlantic about 400 miles south of Long Island at noontime, is forecast to bring heavy rain, gusting winds, possible flooding and surges along the shoreline, according the latest data from the National Weather Service.

Westport and most of Fairfield County, at midday, is under a “Tropical Storm Warning” issued by the NWS. However, the NWS warns that “hurricane conditions” are possible here, particularly if the storm’s path shifts slightly to the west.

The first effects of Henri will be felt in the Westport region starting about 8 p.m. Saturday with “tropical storm” conditions possible, bringing rain and possible thunderstorms.

Tropical storm conditions are expected to prevail throughout Sunday in Westport. That means winds could gust between 40 to 70 mph, with heavy rainfall of between four to six inches over storm’s three-day span.

Flooding, particularly along the shoreline, is likely, per the “Storm Surge Warning” now in effect for the area. Heavy rain could also trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas.

Temperatures from tonight through late Sunday are expected to be in the 70s.

Wind-strength forecast for Hurricane Henri. / National Hurricane Center

Henri is expected to start moving from southern Connecticut late Sunday, but showers are forecast to continue through most of Monday.

Meanwhile, the state’s central and eastern regions, from New Haven to New London, have been issued a “Hurricane Warning” by the NWS, with stronger winds, heavier rain and likely flooding.

The NWS also warns the midday Saturday forecast could change, and Hurricane Henri could have a stronger impact on southwestern Connecticut than currently forecast. People are urged to monitor updated weather forecasts throughout the day.

On Friday, First Selectman Jim Marpe said, despite uncertainty about Henri’s impact, “We’re going through the preparations to be sure we’re using appropriate caution for any of the possibilities.”

The town’s emergency management team plans to update residents as more detailed data becomes available with the storm’s approach.

Storm resources

Graphic forecasts levels of storm surge forecast from Hurricane Henri. / National Hurricane Center
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