Crime & Safety

Updated: Gov. Malloy Opens Emergency Center for Flooding Conditions

Due to excessive rain and milder temperatures, the National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory.

While rainy weather conditions may be tapering off throughout the state, the National Weather Service has extended the small stream flood advisory for Hartford and Tolland Counties, with scattered showers expected throughout the afternoon.

With temperatures expected to reach the mid to upper 40s this week, basements and other structures are at risk of damaging floods as snow piles on roofs and around foundations melt.

In response, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy activated the state Emergency Operations Center today to oversee the state response to flooding conditions. The center is being staffed by the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, along with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Safety, and the Military Department, which has deployed equipment and troops in areas of the state in an effort to control flooding, according to a news release from the governor's office.

Find out what's happening in Mansfield-Storrswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There are widespread reports of flooding across the state. According to Enfield officials, barricades have been set up on Freshwater and Cranbrook Boulevards, Town Farm Road, John Street and Prospect Street.

One Patch reader reported that the roadway behind the Enfield Square mall is flooded.

Find out what's happening in Mansfield-Storrswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Connecticut State Police Troop C in Tolland reported that Ninth District Road in Somers is closed due to flooding.

Mansfield officials have reported the following roads closed:

  • Laurel Lane - East of Mount Hope River Bridge 
  • Thornbush Road - West of the Railroad Tracks
  • South Eagleville Road - At Trestle

Mansfield Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal John Jackman said that the town is closely monitoring the Willimantic River, which is expected to crest some time this evening.

The town is also keeping an eye on the Mount Hope and Fenton Rivers, which are expected to crest this afternoon and this evening, respectively.

The Suffield Fire Department reported no serious flooding incidents but said a few residents had flooded basements which needed to be pumped to remove standing water.

In Vernon, police said sections of Franklin Street and Windsorville Road, along with the parking lot that houses a Motel 6, the Courthouse Plus fitness center and several offices off Route 83 were on flood watches.

Travelers are reminded to drive cautiously, as travel will be adversely affected in areas receiving the brunt of the flooding, creating depths of water that may not allow your vehicle to cross safely.


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