Eastern Connecticut is bracing for a storm expected to move into the region on Thursday, bringing with it heavy rains, strong winds and the potential for power outages and shoreline flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a statewide wind advisory for much of Friday, with sustained winds between 20 and 30 miles per hour in New London County. Wind gusts could top 60 mph.

Eversource, in a statement, said it is bringing in hundreds of outside line and trees crews in addition to its regular complement of contractors to assist in restoring power where needed.

“We recognize the timing of the storm, right before Christmas, is less than ideal and we’re taking necessary actions now so that our team is ready to respond to whatever this storm may bring,” Eversource Connecticut President Steve Sullivan said in a statement.

Gary Lessor, chief meteorologist with the Western Connecticut State University Weather Center, said the storm is part of a system sweeping across the country that has brought blizzard conditions and frigid temperatures across the Midwest. It has also led to flight disruptions.

“It’s just wreaking havoc on the entire country this week. The timing is terrible with the holiday season in full swing,” Lessor said.

AAA estimates more than 1 million Connecticut residents and 4.3 million people across New England will be traveling 50 miles or more between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2.

Connecticut will see rain starting on Thursday that will pick up in intensity, the heaviest falling between 4 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday. The state can expect between 1 and 3 inches worth before it tapers off and cold weather sets in, Lessor said.

Temperatures are expected to drop from the 50s Friday morning to below freezing by Friday night, flash freezing any remains moisture. Lessor said there may be time for things to dry out a bit but there are likely to still be areas of black ice and slippery conditions.

In anticipation of the cold weather and possibility of homes losing power, the city has announced plans to open a walk-in winter warming center next to the emergency shelter at 325 Huntington St. Check-in at the center will be from 6 p.m. to 9:30 pm. and check out is at 6 am. Masks are required.

Thomas Curcio, New London fire chief and emergency management director, said while there remain concerns about power outages, he credited the city’s Public Works Department with a proactive program to remove dead or dying trees that could fall on wires and knock out power. The fire department will be prepared, he said, to respond to any flooding incidents.

Joe Lanzafame, New London’s director of public utilities and head of the city’s stormwater authority, said crews would be out cleaning catch basins before and during the storm to help prevent roadways from flooding. One of the biggest battles during storms is keeping catch basins clear of debris and leaves, he said.

Crews will also be monitoring the Bank Street pump station, which is influenced by the tides and has mechanisms in place to prevent tidal water from entering the stormwater system.

The astronomical high tides, unrelated to flooding from rain, has led to concerns of coastal flooding, Lessor said. For New London residents with homes prone to flooding , the city’s Public Works Department has sandbags available near the sand pile under the Gold Star Bridge at Crystal Avenue and Lewis Street.

City of Groton Mayor Keith Hedrick said the city is closing Eastern Point Beach on Thursday evening in anticipation of flooding at the beach.

“I don’t want anybody trapped in that, ” Hedrick said.

Hedrick said Groton Utilities is staffed to respond to any outages, and personnel from the police, fire and public works departments are ready to respond to any issues that could impact roadways. Based on the time of the high tide and potential for a storm surge, Hedrick said barricades are being readied for flood-prone areas of Shore Avenue and Jupiter Beach.

On the bright side, Lanzafame said the rain will help refill the three reservoirs maintained by New London that are located in Salem, Montville and Waterford.

g.smith@theday.com