Connecticut experienced heavy rainfall and severe flooding, resulting in tragic loss of life and the evacuation of over 100 individuals. The governor has declared a state of emergency in response to this devastating situation.
In a tragic incident, two residents, Ethelyn Joiner, 65, and Audrey Rostkowski, 71, lost their lives after being swept away by flooding on Route 67. The authorities made this announcement during a press conference held in Oxford on Monday.
According to authorities, two individuals tragically lost their lives in unrelated incidents on Sunday.
During a rescue operation, firefighters were present at the scene, attempting to extract the victim from the vehicle. However, the sudden rush of water caused the vehicle to move and swept the victim away downstream, as confirmed by officials. Police announced on Monday that her body had been found.
According to authorities, one of the firefighters sustained a minor injury during the rescue operation.
A second individual was in a vehicle on the highway and decided to exit the vehicle and attempt to cross the floodwaters. According to the authorities, despite the valiant efforts of the firefighters, the powerful current proved insurmountable, ultimately leading to the unfortunate incident where she was swept away while desperately clinging to a traffic sign.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont made an announcement on Monday regarding the filing of a federal emergency declaration. This action was taken in response to the recent storms that resulted in a record-breaking 13 inches of rainfall in certain areas of the state.
“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 said.
Lamont urged residents in western Connecticut to remain vigilant for updates before traveling and cautioned against driving through flooded roads.
Over the weekend, Lamont issued a statement highlighting the efforts of search and rescue teams in assisting over 100 individuals to safely evacuate from the flooding.
“Throughout this afternoon and evening, I have been working with our state’s emergency management team to coordinate with mayors, first selectmen, and other municipal officials on any immediate response needed due to the severe and sudden rainfall that has impacted our state today,” Lamont said.
There is a possibility of more rainfall and scattered thunderstorms on Monday, which could lead to additional flooding in southwestern Connecticut, northeastern New Jersey, and Long Island, New York.
“This will bring the potential for isolated severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts and localized flash flooding this afternoon into evening,” according to the NWS.
