Blizzard Update: Lamont Declares State Of Emergency

The town remains under a Local Civil Preparedness Emergency. as a major winter storm impacts the region this evening through Monday.

Governor Lamont has declared a statewide State of Emergency. That includes an emergency order prohibiting commercial vehicle travel on all limited access highways statewide, in effect now, until further notice.

Westport’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate storm response operations. Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, and Human Services are fully engaged, and staging personnel and equipment.

Heavy snowfall, damaging winds and periods of whiteout visibility are expected. Travel conditions are deteriorating, and will become extremely dangerous overnight.

Coastal Flooding & Storm Surge: A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect. Overnight high tides are expected to produce moderate coastal flooding, with storm surge levels forecast between approximately 4 and 4.6 feet above normal astronomical tide levels. Low-lying and flood-prone areas, including portions of Saugatuck Shores, Compo Beach and other shoreline neighborhoods, are expected to experience roadway flooding during the overnight high tide.

 Critical Resident Actions:
• Remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
• Remove vehicles from roadways immediately.
• If vehicles must remain on the street, follow alternate side parking based on the calendar date.
• Prepare for possible power outages.
• Avoid driving through flooded coastal roadways.
• Check on elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance.

First Selectman Kevin Christie adds, “Residents should remain home throughout the duration of the storm. Keeping roads clear is critical for plowing operations and emergency response, particularly with the added concern of coastal flooding.”

DPW crews will operate continuously throughout the storm. Emergency services remain fully operational.