Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe after yesterday’s torrential storms and flash flooding. Damage from the floods has disrupted train service on the Waterbury and Danbury Metro-North lines, rendered roads in multiple municipalities impassable, downed power lines, and impacted businesses and homes across Fairfield and New Haven counties. I am devastated to learn the storm took the lives of two Oxford residents. My thoughts and condolences are with their families this evening.

My staff and I will continue to monitor the situation closely and, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Bridgeport office at (203) 333-6600. Below you will find a brief update on where the emergency response stands and resources to assist you in navigating fallout from the storm.

Finally, I would like to extend a thank you to all the first responders for their efforts in keeping our communities safe.

Please take care of yourselves and your neighbors,

Jim

The Latest:

- There is additional rain forecast in our area this evening. Please monitor weather reports and flood warnings closely and remain vigilant.

- Governor Lamont declared a state of emergency in response to the flooding experienced in Western Connecticut. This declaration can help expedite the delivery of emergency response resources.

- Governor Lamont has stated he will pursue a federal disaster declaration, a designation that would facilitate the distribution of substantial federal resources to storm-impacted areas. I will work tirelessly to secure this declaration.

- I am in close communication with state and local officials and am receiving updates as they conduct damage assessments of both public infrastructure and private property.

- When driving, respect all emergency signage as road integrity may be compromised, do not attempt to drive on flooded roads, and stay alert for updates from emergency response personnel.

Resources:

For emergency assistance call 9-1-1; for all non-emergent questions, call 2-1-1.

ROADS: For information on road closures: https://ctroads.org/

TRAINS: For information on train delays: https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad

POWER OUTAGES: To report a power outage/see power outages in your area:

     Eversource: https://outagemap.eversource.com/external/default.html

     United Illuminating: https://www.uinet.com/outages

PROPERTY DAMAGE: If your house or business was impacted by the storm or subsequent flooding, please document the damage thoroughly. Doing so in a comprehensive, timely manner is critical to furthering the recovery effort. More information on how to report property damage to local authorities will be circulated soon.

DAMS: If you are concerned about the integrity of a private dam and would like assistance inspecting it for damage contact: [email protected]

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS: To sign up for the CT Alert Emergency Notification System (CT Alert ENS) or your local municipal alert system, click the link below:

- CT ENS Alerts (applicable to all towns not listed below)

- Darien Alerts

- Norwalk Alerts

- Weston Alerts

HIMES OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION:
- To contact my office by phone: (203) 333-6600

- To receive additional updates from my office, sign up here or follow me on social media.