UPDATE: This report was updated at 3:20 pm August 3 with response information from Eversource.

* * * * *

Newtown's Emergency Management team is planning to meet Tuesday morning ahead of anticipated effects from the latest hurricane that is anticipated to make first landfall in the Carolinas late Monday.

A National Weather Service (NWS) Hurricane Warning was in effect for parts of South Carolina and North Carolina on Monday. Meanwhile, the weather service has put Newtown under a Tropical Storm Warning that covers the entire state. Litchfield County, under a Tropical Storm Watch earlier today, is now under a warning as well.

The warnings come as Tropical Storm Isaias ("ees-ah-EE-ahs") spreads up the East Coast. The storm is expected to regain hurricane strength before it pushes ashore in the Carolinas. The warnings mean tropical storm-force winds are expected "somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours," according to NWS.

Locally, flooding rain, damaging winds, and some coastal impacts are expected, with the first scattered thunderstorms ahead of the main front commencing as early as 11 pm Monday, August 3. Scattered thunderstorms are expected, with rain becoming steady and heavy by noontime Tuesday, August 4. That is also when Newtown will begin to feel increasing winds, with gusts forecast to hit 10 miles per hour.

Wind will begin escalating over 20 mph by 2 pm, according to NWS, and into the 30-50 mph range between 6 and 8 pm, before conditions begin rapidly clearing between midnight Tuesday and 3 am Wednesday, August 5.

A total of 2 to 4 inches of rain could result from this system. Rivers and streams may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and may overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots.

Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may also overflow.

Forecasters advise residents to be prepared for possible damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings may experience window, door and/or garage door failures.

Mobile homes may be damaged, especially if they are unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects can become dangerous projectiles under heavy wind gusts. Large trees may be snapped or uprooted causing road closures, detours, and power or communications outages in areas with above ground lines.

The situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes, the weather service cautions, so if a tornado warning is issued, be ready to immediately shelter.

The potential for 1-3 feet of coastal storm surge is forecast for Tuesday afternoon until early Wednesday morning as well.

While continuing to operate under its COVID-19 pandemic plan and adhering to its strict social distancing, hygiene and enhanced sanitation measures to safeguard the health and well-being of workers and customers, Eversource’s line and tree crews are ready to respond to any damage or outages caused by this storm.

“With many customers still working remotely during this challenging time, we recognize how important it is to have reliable power,” said Eversource Vice President of Electric Operations Mike Hayhurst. “Working under the challenging conditions related to the pandemic, our crews are positioned around the state and ready to respond to any damage or outages caused by Tropical Storm Isaias. Our team will work around-the-clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible – yet some restorations may take longer as we work to ensure the safety of our employees and customers.”

Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. Be sure to report any outage online at www.eversource.com, or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.

The energy company always encourages customers to prepare for any severe weather by assembling or restocking a storm kit and making arrangements to look out for their families, friends and neighbors.

For details and updates, continue monitoring this website, as well as The Newtown Bee's Facebook page and Twitter feed. Newtown residents are also encouraged to sign up for the Newtown CodeRED service at newtown-ct.gov.

For added resources, visit portal.ct.gov/DEMHS, weather.gov/nyc or ready.gov/hurricanes