ROCKY HILL, CT (WFSB) -
Severe storms have pushed through Connecticut and power outages have started to climb.
As of 8 p.m., Connecticut Light & Power was reporting 13,155 customers in the dark as a result of the storms.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK, said there was a moderate risk for severe weather across Connecticut on Thursday night that could cause a widespread damaging wind event.
"Such an elevated risk is something we don't see too often in our state," Channel 3 Early Warning Weather Meteorologist Scot Haney said.
A low pressure system has been moving from the Great Lakes Region, and moisture levels have been on the rise in the atmosphere, which has caused it to become highly unstable.
"The unidirectional wind profiles and steep low-level lapse rates should support upscale growth into several clusters with bowing segments and embedded supercell structures," SPC officials said in a forecast discussion.
"Damaging winds, which are potentially widespread and significant, will be the primary threat," according to the officials.
In addition to the damaging wind threat, there is also the threat of large hail and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.
Haney said that because of strong shear in the atmosphere, there is also the risk for isolated tornadoes in Connecticut.
Gov. Dannel Malloy partially activates Emergency Operations Center
At 3:30 p.m., Gov. Dannel Malloy partially activated the state's Emergency Operations Center to monitor and manage any emergencies that arise as a result of the severe weather expected to slam into Connecticut on Thursday evening.
"After assessing the situation with emergency management officials, I have directed a partial activation of the EOC beginning at 3:30 today," Malloy said. "This will allow us to better coordinate with municipalities and state agencies and respond quickly should we have power outages or other damage from these potential storms. I encourage Connecticut residents to closely monitor weather conditions throughout the day and evening and take proper precautions to stay safe."
The EOC is being staffed by the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Division of the Connecticut State Police, Department of Public Health, Department of Transportation, Military Department, Department, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, State Fire Coordination, Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating.
Keep with Channel 3 Eyewitness News for team coverage of the severe weather that's expected to hit the state.
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The Storm Prediction Center issued a moderate risk for severe weather on Thursday
This image from the Storm Prediction Center shows the probability of storms with damaging winds.
This image from the Storm Prediction Center shows the probability of storms with large hail.
This image from the Storm Prediction Center shows the probability for tornadoes on Thursday.
