Office of Emergency Management Evening Update
The Westport Emergency Management Team released the following evening message in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Henri.
Hurricane Henri will enter Westport in the early hours tomorrow, bringing very gusty winds and heavy rain. Deputy Fire Chief Michael Kronick urges, “Stay safe at home tomorrow. By staying off the roads, you will allow the Westport first responders quickly respond to incidents that may be a life-or-death situation.”
Expect Widespread Power and Tree Issues:
Downed power lines can be deadly. Always assume that they are live and avoid going near them or anything in contact with them.
Moderate to Major Coastal Flooding Expected:
Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. Never attempt to drive through a flooded road. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car. If your building floods, move to a higher floor but do not enter a closed attic. Residents in flood-prone areas can move their vehicles to Saugatuck Avenue Train Station Lot # 8.
Closures:
State beaches closed at 1:00pm today.
Westport beaches, golf course and marinas will be closed tomorrow.
Storm Preparation:
To prepare for power outages, make sure your flashlights have working batteries. Fully charge your phone and backup chargers and consider filling your bathtub with water for washing in case you lose your water supply.
Stay informed. Tune into your local radio, news channels or weather apps/ websites for the latest updates. Sign up for NIXLE alerts from the Town’s Emergency Operations Center. Text: 06880 to 888 777
POTABLE water is available at the following filling stations. Please bring your containers. If you are disabled, elderly, or need special assistance, please contact us and we will help you fill your containers 203-341-5000 or 203-341-5010
Westport Fire HQ (515 Post Road East)
Westport Coleytown Station (61 Easton Road)
During the Storm:
Stay home and stay off the roads.
Do not go sightseeing! Roads must be kept clear for emergency vehicles.
Do not drive through floodwaters or over downed wires. Stay clear of downed power lines at least 25’.
Do not drive around barrier tape or barricades.
Stay inside and away from windows.
Report power outages to Eversource at 800-286-2000
Stay informed using social media and radio WWPD 90.3FM
Rainbow Provides Best Dinner View in Town at The Whelk
Diners at the Whelk experienced a few moments of drizzle, with a reward of a full rainbow stretching across Saugatuck River this evening. WestportLocal.com photo
Sandbags Handed out at Sherwood Island Connector Complex
Residents frantically filled and tied sandbags before hauling them into their cars today at the 300 Sherwood Island Road Public Works complex. “We’ll probably be standing right here by 6:00 AM tomorrow with chainsaws” one public works employee said as he helped an elderly community member carry bags to their car. The free sandbags are available until 4:30 today. WestportLocal.com photo
Afternoon Update: Hurricane Henri Looms Closer with More Power, Rain, and Wind
Editor’s Take
The National Weather Service, NYC described Hurricane Henri as moving faster than anticipated towards the north, and is expected to reach the area Sunday morning and begin to move out Sunday evening. The storm’s track is making exact forecasts difficult, as a continued track West will affect Westport more. The Service said the storm is currently predicted to impact the New Haven area most directly.
Winds: Moderate potential for 50-60 mph sustained winds with 70-80 mph gusts.
Storm Surge: Major inundation (Life threatening) threat - 3 to 4, locally 5 ft (AGL) in vulnerable spots.
Rain: Forecasts of 3’ to 7” with locally higher for much of Connecticut and Eastern Long Island - beginning sometime late Saturday night and continuing into Monday.
Power: Extensive tree and power line damage is expected, with the NWS saying it could be similar to Isaias.
Westport will not bear the brunt of this storm, however the community should prepare as if we will due to the overnight nature of its arrival. Flooding will be a large concern for Compo, Saugatuck, and Riverside neighborhoods, and all homes that are susceptible to flash flooding - being near streams, rivers, or on low-lying lands. Tree damage could be significant, with road closures and power outages likely throughout the region. All preparations should be complete by tonight. Many mariners are removing their boats from local marinas, or assuring the boats are tied tight enough to docks and moorings to avoid collisions with other boats and docking systems.
Click here to expand full report
Situation Overview from the National Weather Service, NYC:
Henri has become a Category 1 hurricane and is currently 460 miles south of Montauk Point. Henri will likely make landfall near hurricane strength across eastern Long Island early Sunday afternoon, and then track into southern New England late Sunday into Monday.
The main threats from Henri are potentially life-threatening storm surge, heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding, tropical storm or hurricane force winds along the south shore of Long Island and across southern Connecticut. There will also be associated marine and coastal hazards, including very rough seas and dangerous rip currents. Severe beach erosion is possible for coastal areas of Long Island Sound and portions of Suffolk County, including the Twin Forks region.
A widespread rainfall of 3 to 6 inches is forecast in the path of Henri with localized higher amounts possible Saturday night through Sunday night. The highest amounts are forecast to be across Long Island and much of southern Connecticut and may occur along and west of the center of Henri. This will present a likelihood for areas of flash flooding. Dangerous marine conditions are likely on the ocean waters south of Long Island, as well as on Long Island Sound, and the south shore and eastern bays of Long Island. Hurricane force winds will most likely be in those areas. Dangerous rip currents and high surf are expected along the ocean beaches of Long Island beginning Friday.
Active Weather Warnings, Advisories, and Watches:
Tropical Storm Watch: Effective until further notice
Storm Surge Watch: Effective until further notice
Flood Watch: Effective 8:00 PM Saturday - 8:00 AM Monday
Town Resources:
Sandbags are available for residents at the Westport Public Works garage, 300 Sherwood Island Road, from 12:30 - 4:30 today. Limit 10 bags per person, who is responsible to fill the bags. Bags can be used to prevent water from entering flood-prone doorways or openings.
Potable water will be available at the Westport Fire Department headquarters, 515 Post Road East, and Westport Fire Department Coleytown station, 61 Easton Road. Users must bring their own containers to fill in the event they require water during power outages.
Hurricane Preparedness Packet from the Westport Fire Department: Click here to access
Updates:
We will continue to update you live throughout the storm. Major closures and emergency notifications will remain at the top of the website for easy access.