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WESTPORT, Conn. – Westport residents who live near the shoreline in flood-prone areas are urged to evacuate their homes before Sunday night, Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff said Saturday evening in a CodeRed emergency telephone message.
“National Weather Service forecasters and state officials tell us coastal Connecticut will be severely impacted by this storm. And it will be for a prolonged period, possibly over three or four high tide cycles through Tuesday,” Joseloff said in the message.
“Forecasters are saying we expect coastal tide surges to be two to four feet above the level of Hurricane Irene and to produce the worst flooding since the 1938 Hurricane.”
Although the town cannot declare mandatory evacuations, Joseloff said it is strongly recommended residents do so. Once waters begin to rise, he said the lives of first responders will not be put at risk to rescue shoreline residents who “did not heed our warnings.”
Long Lots Elementary School, 13 Hyde Lane, will open as a shelter for residents and pets beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, Joseloff said. Residents who bring a pet are asked to bring their own crate and pet food.
Residents who need to move their cars to higher ground can park them in the commuter lot next to the 1-95 northbound Exit 17 on-ramp or in the Franklin Street lot, Joseloff said.
Residents also should prepare to be without power for a week or more, Joseloff said, as winds are expected to bring down trees and power lines. “Those on well water should store water in advance as best you can,” he said.
Keep track of the storm by checking back with The Westport Daily Voice, the town website and tuning into WWPT 90.3 FM.
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