Community Events Weather a Tornado Watch

Several people carried umbrellas in the steady rain during St. Peter's Episcopal Church's annual Apple Festival on the Monroe Green just before noon on Saturday, then wind began to rustle through the trees. In one tent, Rev. Kurt Huber, pastor of the church, took the microphone to inform the crowd that a tornado warning was in effect for Fairfield County.

"If you feel nervous, we welcome you to take shelter in the church," Huber said. "We will stay open until we hear more."

Just up the street from the green, St. Jude Columbiettes President Helen Tuccio had volunteers move its 2nd Annual "Attic Treasures" sale inside St. Jude School.

At the Beardsley Homestead, 31 Great Ring Road, the Monroe Historical Society also moved its textile sale indoors.

All of Monroe's daytime events moved forward despite the tornado warning, which went from noon to 12:30 p.m. The Apple Festival will also be celebrated on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Tomorrow is supposed to be stunning — gorgeous," Huber said of Sunday's weather forecast.