Politics & Government

Milford Updates on Hurricane Sandy

Rainfall is predicted to be anywhere from 3 to 12 inches. Due to expected sustained winds of 40 to 60 miles per hour with gusts of even greater velocity, damage from fallen trees should be anticipated.

 

Mayor Ben Blake and the City of Milford, and Governor Dannel Malloy and the State of Connecticut, have each ordered a state of civil preparedness emergency due to the expected impact of Hurricane Sandy. 

Mandatory evacuation of coastal areas have been ordered and all residents in those areas should be evacuated by 6 pm, today, Sunday, October 28th.   Vehicles must be moved to higher ground as severe flooding is anticipated along Milford’s shoreline. 

Find out what's happening in Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The National Weather Service has predicted that Milford, and all parts of Connecticut, will be affected by a combined winter and tropical super storm, including torrential rainfall, strong winds, and coastal and inland flooding over a prolonged period between Sunday night through early Wednesday. 

Further, the Weather Service has advised that the storm surge mid-day Monday could be equal to or approximately a foot higher than what was experienced in Tropical Storm Irene.  Even more significant, the Monday evening high tide is predicted to bring flooding equal to or greater than the Hurricane of 1938 - the most severe hurricane to hit the Northeast.  

Find out what's happening in Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Rainfall is predicted to be anywhere from 3 to 12 inches.  Due to expected sustained winds of 40 to 60 miles per hour with gusts of even greater velocity, damage from fallen trees should be anticipated.

Because the predicted duration of the storm involves multiple cycles of significant tides and related storm surges, this type of storm has been seen by very few of our residents.  For this reason, the City has taken the extreme measure of ordering mandatory evacuations for coastal residents. 

Moreover, those residents in non-coastal, low-lying areas prone to flooding should give serious consideration to voluntary evacuation as this storm is predicted to last anywhere from 12 to 48 hours.  Residents are further urged to take precautions to prevent property damage. 

Commencing at 3:00 pm today, October 28th, the City will open a primary shelter at Jonathan Law High School at 20 Landsdale Avenue for those evacuated residents unable to find area lodging.  The shelter is also equipped to accept pets for those residents being housed at shelter.  

If you are required to evacuate or choose to voluntarily evacuate, please remember to take required medications and financial materials with you.  You should secure your property prior to leaving the dangerous areas.

All City Departments have been taking action to guard and protect the citizens of Milford against the impact of the storm, but the help of all residents is needed throughout this three day event.   If you live near elderly or infirmed neighbors, please check in on them as often as it safe to do so. 

Preparations should be made for prolonged loss of power and residents are urged to use extreme caution when using and fueling generators.  Please DO NOT use candles.  If grills or generators are used, they should be operated outside in well-ventilated areas.

The cooperation and understanding of all Milford residents is vital in ensuring that injuries and damage is kept to a minimum.  Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

 

Additional Storm Information: 

 

Storm Information Hotline 203-874-6782 (8Storm2) or 211 Infoline

 

A limited number of sandbags are available at Fire Station 5, 7 and 8 with limited amount of sand for filling bags.


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