CT River rising despite sunny day

Middletown, Conn. (WTNH) - Dry pavement, sun in the sky, 60 degrees on the thermometer -- things Connecticut residents haven't seen much of lately should be in abundance today.

After days of soaking rain and flooding, most rivers in the state are receding, with the exception of the Connecticut River, which is already overflowing its banks at the usual spots such as Harbor Park in Middletown.

Police are patrolling the area trying to keep people out of the water. People have stopped to look at see the power of the river for themeselves.

"I live right next to the river in Rocky Hill, so I was on my way home and I though I'd stop here and take a few pictures of Harbor Park which I never have, to see what's coming our way and what we're in for," Paul Neuman said.

The water is nearly surrounding the restaurant at Harbor Park, and owners aren't sure if they'll be open on Easter Sunday. There's also a carnival in town near the Coginchaug River. They're moving their rides back because of the rising waters.

"We expect it to crest overnight tonight and into the morning" at Middletown, Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Gil Simmons said.

Amtrak service remained unavailable Thursday because of flooding in Rhode Island.

"Amtrak Acela Express service between New Haven and Boston, and Northeast Regional service between New York and Boston, will remain suspended through Thursday, April 1, due to ongoing flooding on the tracks near Kingston, Rhode Island. No alternate transportation is available.," Amtrak said on its Web site. No alternate transportation is available, they said.

There is plenty of cleanup work to do in many cities and towns. In North Stonington, the historic Watermark Café, a building that has endured storms since the mid 1800's finally surrendered to a massive amount of rushing water.

In Stonington, the Pawcatuck River was moving so fast yesterday engineers couldn't determine whether the Pawcatuck Bridge and some buildings were safe. First Selectman Edward Haberek Jr., has initiated a waiver for all Stonington residents who need to dispose of debris from the storm. Haberek says if residents show proper identification, they can bring their debris to the Transfer Station during special hours.

Those hours are:

• April 1st -11th, including Good Friday and Easter.
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Regular hours will return on April 12th

The First Selectman also reminds residents that have Personal Property Damage to contact the First Selectman's Office at 860-535-5050 regarding FEMA assistance and SBA information.

Many roads remained closed in the Southeastern Connecticut because of flood damage, including Route 184. Gov. Jodi Rell toured parts of Southeastern Connecticut to see the damage first hand.

Some residents of a Middletown building that was affected by a mudslide were allowed back into their homes Wednesday. The slide exposed part of the foundation of the Charton Terrace apartments. Everyone could be back home by the end of the day when electricity is restored.

Some schools remained cancelled for yet another day.

The weather will cooperate for the clean-up effort. Temperatures for most of the state, except along the shoreline, are expected to be in the 60's Thursday. "A dry forecast for the next three days at least," Simmons said.