Heavy Rain Triggers Fatal Flooding in Connecticut, Hundreds Evacuated
The torrential rain that caused catastrophic and deadly flooding in parts of Connecticut over the weekend has finally subsided. Now, efforts are shifting towards cleanup and assessing the damage to infrastructure. Crews are working to inspect and repair damaged roadways and bridges, and to clear debris left in the wake of the storm.
The National Weather Service in New York issued a Flash Flood Emergency for southern Connecticut, warning that the situation was hazardous and that “widespread water rescues are taking place.” The heavy flooding washed out roads and trapped vehicles in cities such as Stamford, Danbury, and Southbury.
The sudden and severe flooding has caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the western part of the state, leading to evacuations, rescues, and the closure of more than two dozen roads. The dangerous situation began early on Sunday as heavy rain continued to pour over the same areas of western and southern Connecticut for several hours.
As the deluge persisted, the National Weather Service issued a rare Flash Flood Emergency for the area, and many towns in the region reported record-breaking rainfall totals. Sandy Hook, a part of Newtown, received more than a foot of rain since Sunday morning. Newtown itself recorded just over 10 inches of rain on Sunday, with additional rainfall expected to increase that total. Shelton and Monroe each received just under 10 inches, while Middlebury saw slightly more than 9.5 inches.
In Southbury, officials reported that numerous roads were compromised by the flooding, and drivers were urged to stay home until conditions improved. Oxford was also severely impacted, with several bridges and roads destroyed or covered with rocks and debris. Due to the extensive flooding, the city of Danbury in western Connecticut declared a state of emergency.
The flooding on Sunday was not limited to Connecticut; New York City also experienced flash flooding that submerged roads across the city, further complicating the situation in the region.
Heavy Rain Triggers Fatal Flooding in Connecticut, Hundreds Evacuated: Actionable Insights on EigenPrism
Post-Event
Subscribers of ICEYE can use this real-time footprint on EigenPrism® to quickly assess the impact of flooding:
Flash Flood – Mid Atlantic (USA) – Flood Inundation as of Aug 20
Aug 20 | Severe Flooding in Connecticut and New York Causes Fatalities and Widespread Damage
Heavy rainfall and severe flooding in Connecticut resulted in two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over 100 people, prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency. Torrential rains transformed streets into raging rivers in parts of Connecticut and New York’s Long Island, trapping individuals in cars and a restaurant, and covering vehicles in mud.
The storm claimed at least three lives and caused widespread flooding. In parts of Connecticut, including Oxford and Southbury, nearly 10 inches of rain fell within 12 hours on Sunday. Meanwhile, Stony Brook, New York, saw approximately 6.7 inches of rain in just three hours on Sunday night, about 35 miles away from the hardest-hit areas in Connecticut. In Oxford, rushing waters surrounded the Brookside Inn, trapping 18 people.
The storm system that devastated Connecticut and later moved on to Long Island was distinct from Hurricane Ernesto, which was over the open Atlantic Ocean on Monday. Despite being far offshore, Ernesto was still expected to generate powerful swells, dangerous surf, and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast.
Severe Flooding in Connecticut and New York Causes Fatalities and Widespread Damage: Actionable Insights on EigenPrism
Post-Event
Subscribers of ICEYE can use this real-time footprint on EigenPrism® to quickly assess the impact of flooding:
Flash Flood – Mid Atlantic (USA) – Flood Inundation as of Aug 19
Forecast
US Flood Forecast Report Template
The report template auto-updates with the latest available footprints, which include:
- WPC 3-Day Excessive Rainfall Outlook from NWS
- US Flood Outlook from NWS
- NA 3-day Flood Potential from Adiabat
- NA 5-day Flood Potential from Adiabat
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