On Tuesday, the Greenwich Police Department urged residents to prepare for a significant storm system expected to impact the area beginning Tuesday afternoon and continuing through Wednesday evening.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Greenwich from 2:00pm on Tuesday, July 28, through 8:00pm on Wednesday, July 29.
According to the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), there is high confidence that southwestern and western Connecticut will receive 3 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches. While it is not yet possible to determine exactly which communities will receive the heaviest rainfall, any area experiencing these amounts could see significant flooding. The heaviest rainfall is expected tonight through Wednesday, with rainfall rates that could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Residents are encouraged to prepare now by clearing leaves and debris from storm drains and gutters, securing outdoor furniture and loose objects, charging electronic devices, and moving valuables out of flood-prone areas if their property has a history of flooding. Those who live near streams, rivers, or low-lying areas should closely monitor changing conditions and be prepared to move to higher ground if flooding develops.
Driving Safety
If travel is necessary, motorists are urged to use extreme caution.
- Slow down and allow extra stopping distance.
- Turn on your headlights whenever windshield wipers are in use.
- Never use cruise control during heavy rain.
- Watch for standing water, fallen trees, debris, and downed utility wires.
- Do not drive around barricades or road closure signs.
- Never drive through a flooded roadway. Floodwaters can hide washed-out pavement or other hazards, and just a small amount of moving water can carry away a vehicle. Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
- If your vehicle becomes stranded in rising floodwaters, leave it immediately if it is safe to do so and move to higher ground.
Residents are also reminded to keep children away from storm drains, streams, and other fast-moving water, as conditions can become dangerous very quickly.
If travel is not necessary during periods of heavy rainfall, the Greenwich Police Department strongly encourages residents to remain home until conditions improve.
The Greenwich Police Department also asked for the public’s patience should you need to contact them during the storm. Their 911 and non-emergency telephone lines are answered by the same dispatch center. While dispatchers are handling emergency 911 calls, there may be longer wait times for non-emergency calls. Dispatchers will answer every call as quickly as possible.
If road closures become necessary due to flooding or other storm-related conditions, the Greenwich Police Dept will post and update them as soon as possible through our official communication channels. Residents are encouraged to check the police department’s social media platforms before traveling, as road conditions may change rapidly throughout the storm.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts throughout the storm and sign up for Greenwich Emergency Alerts at www.GreenwichAlerts.org to receive emergency notifications. The Greenwich Police Department will continue to monitor conditions alongside the Town of Greenwich Office of Emergency Management and provide updates as needed.
For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency police matters, contact the Greenwich Police Department at 203-622-8004.
See also:
Heavy Rains, Potential Coastal Flooding on Tap for Greenwich