Storms Flood Basements, Roads

Norwich declares a state of emergency

People across the state are dealing with flooded basements and flooded roads. The state, which has a stockpile of 180,000 sandbags, ordered 300,000 more sand bags from Massachusetts.

Greenwich, which was hit by massive storms a couple weeks ago, has requested 1,500 sandbags and Norwich has requested 4,100 sandbags.

“Public safety remains our top priority as water levels continue to rise and threaten homes and businesses,” Rell said. “We are using all state resources to keep our citizens safe until the rivers and streams recede to safer levels.” 

Several towns have closed roads because they are not passable. You can find the list here.

Storms have forced Stonington to evacuate the “Birdland” section as a precaution because of a high water level at the upstream dam. Routes 213 and 156 in Waterford are closed because roads are impassible, according to Waterford Police

Gardners Wood Road in Waterford, near Route 156, has been washed away in one area with a 5-foot hole that has formed in the roadway. The Waterford Utility Commission is also asking customers to limit water and sewer use until at least 4:30 p.m.  "

"Due to extreme rainy conditions affecting the area, the Town of Waterford sewers pump stations are receiving a significant amount of water. This additional water is taxing our stations to the limit," Peter M. Green, of Waterford Utility Commission, said in a news release.  

Waterford residents are asked to limit showers as well as appliances that use water, including dishwashers and washing machines.   

More than 2,300 households are without power and some southeastern Connecticut towns have closed schools for the day.

State emergency operations center will remain open over the next few days as rivers and streams are expected to rise several feet above flood stage. 

The Yantic River in Norwich went a foot above the flood stage of 9 feet Monday night and business and homeowners placed sandbags and other barriers along the river Monday.
 
In Hartford, the Connecticut River is expected to rise to nearly 22 feet, 6 feet above flood stage. The Weather Service says flooding is expected in several towns.
 
The Housatonic River at the Stevenson Dam between Monroe and Oxford is expected to rise 4 feet above flood stage.
 
On Monday, the Army Corps of Engineers did a controlled release at the Stevenson Dam on the Oxford-Monroe line, which allows water from Lake Zoar to flow into the Housatonic River. The river is already above flood stage, but authorities wanted to get as much water downstream as possible to help alleviate flooding later.
 
The rains come two weeks after storms devastated Fairfield County and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials began investigating in southwestern Connecticut on Monday to assess major damage caused by that storm.
 
Greenwich officials decided to postpone FEMA's assessment.  
 
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all of Connecticut through Tuesday afternoon. Most of the region is expected to get 3 to 6 inches of rain, while other areas can get up to 8 inches.
 

Tips:
 
Local officials warn people to take precautions when flooding occurs.
 
Avoid driving through a flooded area. Cars can be swept away in just two feet of moving water and roads or bridges might be washed out or structurally unsound. 
 
If your car becomes trapped in floodwaters, abandon it and climb to higher ground. 
Minimize damage from basement flooding by elevating materials that could be damaged by limited basement flooding.
 
Follow recommended evacuation routes.
 
Avoid walking through flowing water. Flash flood waters move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, sweep away cars, tear out trees, destroy buildings and obliterate bridges. Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off of your feet. 
 
Avoid power lines and electrical wires because electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your utility company or local emergency manager.
 
Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.   Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you are sure that the gas has been turned off and the area has been aired out.
 
If you have rain photos, please e-mail them to us at NBCConnecticut.com
 
To keep up on river conditions, check the National Weather Service River Forecast Center
 
 
 
Copyright AP - Associated Press
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