High Wind in Connecticut, December 12, 2000

High winds developed rapidly in an unstable air mass following the passage of a strong cold front across the area. Several measured peak wind gusts were at least 58 mph.High winds downed many trees onto houses, cars, power lines, and streets, which caused significant property damage and power outages.In New Haven County, high winds drove waves over seawalls as white caps washed over the streets of East Haven's shores. In Middlesex County, several trees and power lines were downed in Chester, East Haddam, Middletown, and Old Saybrook.Here are selected specific peak wind gusts for:Fairfield County - Although the peak wind gusts measured by the Automated Surface Observing Systems at Sikorsky Airport in Bridgeport was 53 mph at 10:03 am and at Danbury Airport was 47 mph at 9:53 am, numerous trees and power lines were downed in several locations including Brookfield, Bethel, New Fairfield, Norwalk, Sherman, and Trumbull.New Haven County - Although the peak wind gust measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at Tweed Airport in New Haven was only 45 mph at 10:45 am, several trees and power lines were downed in Meriden, Naugatuck, and Waterbury.New London County - A peak wind gust to 75 mph was measured by equipment at the Millstone Nuclear Station at 450 feet. Other peak wind gusts included 62 mph measured by spotter equipment at Waterford and 54 mph measured by the Automated Surface Observing System from Groton at 11:07 am.