Community Corner

Category 1 Irene Expected to Cover Majority of State

Flooding of small rivers and streams is a "large concern" the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection said.

Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Peter Boynton addressed the members of the media Thursday afternoon to give an update on the state's preparedness for Hurricane Irene, which is expected to make landfall Sun. August 28.

As of 11 a.m., Boynton reported, the hurricane is expected to hit Stamford around 5 p.m. on Sunday as a category 1 storm.

As expected, Connecticut's most vulnerable areas are along the coastline. Given the expected time of landfall, the storm will likely coincide with high tide.

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"This is a very large storm," Boynton added. "It is expected to cover about three-fourths of the state and a good portion of Southern New England."

Given the storm's size and hurricanes' tendency to move more slowly in the Northeast, the biggest threat to residents in North Central Connecticut will be the high winds, which as a category 1 hurricane could be between 75 and 95 miles per hour, and flooding.

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"The major rivers are fairly low right now," but the risk of flooding remains for low-lying areas and residents near smaller inland rivers and streams, Boynton added.

The forecast is expected to change, the Deputy Commissioner said, but the potential for flooding remains a possibility due to the anticipated accumulation of 6 to 10 inches of rain across the state. An excess of 12 inches could be possible in some areas if the storm spends an extended amount of time over the state, he added.

What Boynton referred to as a "unified command" of federal and state agencies is currently mobilizing in preparation for Irene's arrival, the possibility of an evacuation and the cleanup following the storm, Boynton told reported.

There have been no decisions made regarding evacuations, Boynton added, and there will not be a statewide evacuation.

Boynton urged residents to pay close attention to local media outlets as evacuations will occur, if at all, in isolated areas — particularly those areas that are low-lying and by smaller inland rivers and streams.

Those residents are encouraged to identify their local shelters and the emergency routes to those shelters.

Residents were also encouraged by Boynton to complete preparation for the hurricane ahead of time, and understand that first responding units will likely be unavailable during the storm's peak, as they will be taking shelter as well.

Boynton echoed Governor Dannel P. Malloy's statements this morning, suggesting that residents get a kit (including batteries and a flashlight), stock up on supplies (including at least three days of water) and make an evacuation plan.

With Irene expected to hit Stamford Sunday evening, tropical storm winds are expected early Sunday, with rain from Irene arriving Saturday.

While Irene is expected to hit as a category 1 storm as of 11 a.m. Thursday, Boynton said, the forecast is expected to change.

He did not say whether the storm is expected to strengthen as it approaches Connecticut's shore.

Residents should contact their towns or call 211 for more information, and in the event of emergencies, residents should call 911, Boynton said.


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