Stonington worried Sandy may cause flooding

STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Stonington is dipping into its sand stock to prepare for Sandy. Workers aren't worried about slippery streets, but rather flooded roads and homes.

Sand bags are being filled so those threatened by high water can barricade their buildings. Trees are also being trimmed and residents are asked not to rake or blow leaves along the edge of the road because they are trying to keep storm drains clear.

"So that we have no problem with flooding because that's going to be the key aspect we're worried about," said First Selectman Ed Haberek.

"We do have a what do you call the power...generator here," said Star Johnson, Tom's Newsstand. "So last year we were the only one open."

That was during Tropical Storm Irene. Star Johnson says folks in Stonington Borough are worried the full moon and high tide will bring even more water ashore.

"Hopefully we're just praying that it won't be coming up to here, ya know," Johnson said. "Everybody's just a little concerned, but they're thinking maybe we just have to evac then we'll have to evac."

Many towns have emergency alert systems in place and are encouraging folks to sign up if they haven't already.

"As we get closer we'll start to let people know that storm is coming and in certain areas if they need to evacuate if there's a volunteer evacuation or a mandatory evacuation they'll be alerted to do that," said First Selectman Haberek.

The alerts and any evacuation orders will all be sent out via email and the reverse 911 system. Folks on Mason's Island should be monitoring them very closely because if the water does come up over the causeway the entire area will be cut off.

It may be safe to say the places which usually flood will. Plan accordingly.