No New COVID-19 Cases; State Positivity Rate 2.97%, Hospitalizations Down 3
The Westport Weston Health District reported no new COVID-19 cases for Westport today. The State’s daily test positivity rate was down to 2.97%, and hospitalizations were down 3.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 1,943 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 31 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 2.97% [down from 4.65%]
State Hospitalizations: 360 patients [-3]
Trees Down, Vehicles Stuck as Local Roads Flood
Westport first responders have began to experience calls to service for vehicles stuck on local roadways, roadways becoming impassable due to flooding, or trees down over roadways. No major closures have been reported as of 11:20 tonight, however drivers are advised to remain home as conditions deteriorate. The Sherwood Island Connector was closed for a short time earlier in the night as a large tree blocked both lanes, requiring the State Department of Transportation to clear the roadway. Vehicles have been reported stuck on both ends of Westport as flash floods continue.
Ida Moves in as Heaviest Bands Reach Westport
Ned Dimes Marina gives a double flag warning as Ida moves in. Editor’s Take
Some of the most dangerous bands of Hurricane Ida’s remnants are currently moving over Westchester County and the Metro New York areas - with around 3 inches of water per hour being dumped onto the area, and heavy winds and thunderstorms joining the mix.
These bands are heading towards Westport, and are expected to be over the area within the hour. They will weaken some as they move North, however rain will still be severe.
Local meteorologists have noted that although rotation in the storm is slight, the rain being dumped is signaling emergency warnings throughout the region - including the National Weather Service’s first ever Flash Flood Emergency in the New York City area. The Sherwood Island Connector is currently closed as a tree has blocked all lanes between Post Road East and Greens Farms Road (click to read full report)
Stay indoors and off of the roadways. Flooding is already being reported in some New Jersey and New York counties as “catastrophic.” Check your basements and stay away from any moving water - including large puddles, streams, rivers, and any coastal areas - as water may be deeper than it appears, with strong currents.
The storm is a long haul event, and will continue through the overnight hours. If your home floods easily, be sure items are moved to high grounds.
If you live within a heavily wooded area, consider sleeping away from windows as tree damage will be noted. Although winds will be moderate with high gusts, saturation will create an environment to allow trees to fall easily.
Schools in the region have already considered that flooding and road closures may delay the opening of buildings tomorrow.
Forecast Points:
Winds: Winds will pick up as we head towards midnight, with gusts around 30 MPH possible, and sustained winds of 10-15 MPH.
Rain: Forecasts shows 3” to 4” of rain being dumped rapidly over Westport, with most heavy rain bands moving out of the area after daybreak.
Thunderstorms: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued until 10:30 tonight, with the storm producing lightning throughout the region - with several strikes already reported in and around Westport.
Active Weather Warnings, Advisories, and Watches:
Flash Flood Watch: Effective until 2:00 AM (possibility of flash floods)
Flash Flood Warning: Effective until 1:00 AM (presence of flash flooding)
Tornado Watch: Effective until 1:00 AM
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Effective until 10:30 PM
Closures:
Sherwood Island Connector: Post Road - Greens Farms Road
A Saugatuck Island After-School Tradition
(L-R)Jake Coykendall (15) and Max Manchester (14) take a jump off of the Saugatuck Island bridge this evening as heavy rains moved into the area. The boys celebrated their second day of school with the plunge as the air temperature sat at a damp 67 degrees, and water temperatures warmed into the 70s. WestportLocal.com photo