Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.) declared a state of emergency on Monday after the state experienced catastrophic flooding on Sunday. At least two people were killed in the flooding, while dozens of roads were closed throughout the state.
Announcing the state of emergency in Connecticut, Lamont said, “The sudden and severe flooding has caused significant damage to infrastructure in the western portion of the state, resulting in evacuations, rescues, and more than two dozen road closures that we anticipate will need to be closed for an extended period.”
Lamont explained that the state of emergency declaration could help the state expedite resources, such as federal work crews and equipment, to respond to the severe flooding and repair the state’s damaged infrastructure. Lamont added, “I strongly encourage anyone in the western area of the state to stay alert for updates before traveling and do not attempt to drive through any flooded roads.”
According to Fox Weather, cleanup efforts are currently underway in Connecticut now that the rain has subsided. Officials are now working to remove debris from roads and bridges and inspect the damaged infrastructure throughout the state.
READ MORE: Viral videos: House collapses, floats away amid hurricane
Fox Weather reported that at least two individuals were killed in the state’s major flooding. Connecticut State Emergency Management Director William Turner noted that two women were missing in Oxford, Connecticut, after their vehicles were caught in the floods. CT Connecticut reported that the two women, identified as 71-year-old Audrey Rostkowski and 65-year-old Ethelyn Joiner, were confirmed dead.
“The heaviest rains really seems to set up from Monroe up into Beacon Falls, and definitely some more rural parts of the state, but away from our major highways like I-95 and I-84” Turner said in a statement obtained by Fox Weather. “But nonetheless, we still have extensive damage to a lot of state roads and local roads that we’re out there assessing now to determine the impacts and to see what we’ll need to do to get them reopened.”
According to Fox Weather, the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency notification in Connecticut as multiple towns reported historic rainfall numbers on Sunday. Sandy Hook reported over a foot of rain, Monroe and Shelton both reported almost 10 inches of rain, and Newtown reported over 10 inches of rain.
Videos shared on X, formerly Twitter, provide a glimpse of the devastation caused by the major flooding in Connecticut.
