Shoreline officials prep for upcoming storm

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- All along the Connecticut shoreline officials are getting ready for whatever this latest round of winter weather brings us.

West Haven firefighters are ready. Should this latest storm hit the coastline hard the 25 full-time firefighters and 25 volunteers will be gearing up for the worst. This potential storm is just the latest in a string of bad weather that has battered the city.

"They've worked a lot of OT during it and they're definitely getting tired but they're ready to get out there and help the people if they have to," said Deputy Chief Scott Schwartz.

The area along Ocean Avenue has been hit especially hard.

"With the beach sand missing on the beaches, we have been looking at an extra surge of water that we're trying to monitor at this point," said Deputy Chief Schwartz.

Big storm or little storm, what happens is the water comes up over the roadways. That's why construction crews are out working on repairs. Business owners say they're getting use to the wicked weather and are trying to make the best of it.

"I had water up to my door and I'm up for 5 feet from the road and 100 yards from the beach," said Domenic Giannotti, Dive Bar.

Water or not, business here is still going strong.

"I run drink specials sometimes to attract the people cause bad weather brings the people out," said Giannotti.

Other businesses say they haven't been as lucky.

"During small snowstorms people like to come out and party in it but the storms we've been getting have been so big we haven't been able to open," said Tammy Tkacz, Oyster River Tavern.

With the latest storm just a day away they say this time they're taking their chances.

"Absolutely. we will be here. We'll be open all night Wednesday and all day Thursday," said Tkacz.