Folks evacuated after floods

SHELTON, Conn. (WTNH) - A mandatory evacuation has been called in Shelton due to the overwhelming flooding in the area.

There has been almost three dozen homes affected by the Housatonic River. After Hurricane Irene there was no place to put all of the rain. The water came up quickly, and while some people had boats, others had to be evacuated by the fire department.

"Four o'clock this morning I heard the rain coming down like hell, and I knew it was going to happen," says Brian Connolly.

"We should have left earlier this morning, we really should have," says Grace Grasso.

The water was so deep, that people were riding their jet skis up and down the streets. While some people were having fun, others were trying to get back on track after Irene.

"FEMA called to come down here and inspect for insurance purposes, but canceled and rescheduled," says Sherri Kotenski.

"Just yesterday I just finished cleaning up from that storm, and it will take three, four days disinfecting and cleaning, scrubbing the mud, because the sea bed is left in the house," says Brian Johnson. "I think I want to sell my house, I think sometimes I just want to get out of here, I can't take it anymore, it's not normal for anyone to live like this."

Despite the excessive flooding an exhaustion felt by everyone in the community, neighbors say the storm brought everyone closer.