Storms bring flooding and power outages

(WTNH) -- Strong thunderstorms have brought flash flooding to portions of Connecticut as well as thousands of power outages Saturday afternoon.

The Storm Prediction Center issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch earlier today for Fairfield and New Haven Counties, but stormy weather occurred across the entire state.

Several reports of flash flooding came in from every county in Connecticut.

WXedge.com contributor Stephen Barabas reported that rainfall rates reach 8.23 inches per hour at one point.

"We've got minor street flooding in Southbury," Barabas said shortly after 3:00 p.m.

At 7:55 p.m. there were just under 1,200 power outages reported across the state. At the peak of the nasty weather, about 5,500 customers were without power.

Periods of rain and isolated thunderstorms may continue into the evening hours.

Although the threat of severe weather is low, many areas in nearby southeastern New York State have reported storm damage. Orange County, N.Y. had reports of numerous trees and power lines down, as well as nickel-sized hail.

Check out a gallery of photos from the rain and storms