MONROE, CT — Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain on Tuesday, according to a tropical storm warning for all of Connecticut issued by the National Weather Service.
Today (Tuesday), First Selectman Ken Kellogg said a tornado watch has been issued through 4 p.m., due to the threat of weak tornadoes and a flash flood is in effect, until 6 a.m. Wednesday.
A revised forecast now predicts storm force winds from 2 to 7 p.m. today, with the peak impact around 4 p.m.
Rainfall predictions have been lowered to one to three inches, though the risk of flooding still remains.
Town Hall Offices are closing at 1 p.m.
- Departments have made attempts to contact and reschedule any appointments for this afternoon.
- Note that tonight’s meetings of the Historic District Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals are currently anticipated to be conducted remotely as originally scheduled.
Power outages are expected
- There is a strong threat of significant power outages with this storm.
- Town officials are in contact with Eversource – their emergency response plans are in effect.
Monday’s Code Red
In a Code Red message Monday, First Selectman Ken Kellogg said residents should anticipate the strong possibility of sustained winds of over 40 mph, with higher gusts possible, likely resulting in power outages.
“Eversource has confirmed that their emergency response plans are in effect, and reminds everyone to assume any downed wire is live,” Kellogg said.
He said residents should also plan for periods of heavy rain with the potential accumulation of two-to-four inches, which may cause flooding in flood-prone areas.
On Monday, members of Monroe’s Emergency Management Team participated in a briefing with state officials to review forecasted impacts of Tropical Storm Isaias and to begin emergency planning efforts, according to Kellogg.
He said the storm’s greatest impact is expected Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the peak around 6 p.m.
“Due to COVID-19, emergency sheltering will only be provided as a last resort,” Kellogg said. “Any residents with sheltering or other storm-related needs should contact the Town’s Emergency Dispatch Center at 203-261-3622.”
Reporting issues, concerns
Kellogg reminds residents to only call 911 for emergencies.
“If the issue is not an emergency, but requires immediate attention, the best way to report is to call our dispatch center at 203-261-3622,” he said. “This will ensure that the proper departments are notified and the matter is prioritized.”
For routine concerns that can wait until after the storm, Kellogg encourages people to visit the town’s website and use the “Submit a Service Request” button.
“For issues with your utility provider, the most effective way to report is to contact your service provider directly,” Kellogg said.
He listed utilities and their phone numbers:
Eversource – Power Outage: 1-800-286-2000
Eversource – Natural Gas: 1-877-944-5325
Aquarion: 1-800-732-9678
Charter/Spectrum: 1-833-780-1880
Frontier: 1-800-921-8101
Staying updated
The first selectman encourages residents to sign up for emergency “Code Red” notifications.
“We utilize Code Red for emergency community notifications,” Kellogg said. “However, you must enroll in this service in order to be notified. If you are not already enrolled, click on “Code Red Sign Up” at the top right of our home page at www.monroect.org.”
Links to emergency information will be posted at the top of the town’s website when appropriate, according to Kellogg.
