Malloy gives "Katrina-like warning"

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- At a 9 p.m. press conference Malloy told residents that if their homes are surrounded by water they need to stay put and move to a higher spot in the home.

"The reality is that based on the preparations that some of the communities did take and others did not or the adherence to those that we're talking about thousands of people being trapped by high water," Governor Malloy said. "That's why we're taking the occasion to tell people to move to the higher portion of their houses."

Malloy continued on to tell Connecticut residents that unless there is someone there with the appropriate equipment to assist, his advice is to get to a higher point of the house, out of the waters, and away from the windows to ride the storm out. Additionally, he told residents not to attempt to walk through it, swim through it, or move through it.

"Let's be very clear, if your house is surrounded by water your best and safest option at this time is to remain in that house and move to a higher level of the house. That's what we're telling people, including if you're in a one-level house, potentially moving to the roof of the house. This is a rather Katrina-like warning that we are issuing to people that did not take the advise that was given to them earlier in this crisis."

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- At a Monday night press conference Governor Malloy credited the utility companies with being better prepared for this storm than previous storms.

Additionally, Malloy said that he expects the response to be better after the storm as well.

At the 6 p.m. presser, the Governor said the worst was still to come with wind gusts picking up and continuing into Tuesday morning.

Also at the press conference, CL&P named their two main concerns as preparing for the risk of flooding at their two main substations in Stamford and Branford; and insuring a safe response.

In order to ensure safe response, CL&P said the wind gust threshold was 40 mph.

United Illuminating announced that they would be de-energizing three substations, impacting more than 50,000 customers, approximately 45,000 of which are in Bridgeport.

As of 9 p.m., power outages were affecting approximately 475,000 CL&P customers and 115,28 UI customers.

 

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HARTFORD, Conn. ( WTNH) -- Gov. Dannel Malloy said Connecticut was entering its "most difficult, damaging time of this storm" and that "the next 24 hours will be tough."

The governor updated the state at a noon news conference.

Serious flooding was occurring across the shoreline as another high-tide cycle was reached. In Bridgeport, there were fears a substation would have to be turned off, but United Illuminating said it was not necessary.

Power outages continued to rise throughout the morning, with the worst of Sandy not yet hitting the state.

"The last time we saw this threat was never," Gov. Malloy said.

In Middletown, city officials put in place an 8:00 p.m. curfew.

 

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Gov. Dannel Malloy said state highways will close at 1:00 p.m. to all non-essential cars. Trucks will be banned from limited access highways at 11:00 a.m.

“Beginning in the next several hours, wind gusts will begin to exceed 50 m.p.h., making traveling along our roads – especially wooded areas like the Merritt Parkway – very dangerous," the governor said in a statement.

LINK to governor's road closure order (.pdf)

"We’re doing this in two phases, so that trucks will first be prohibited and then all non-emergency vehicles.

"If you’re in a non-evacuation area, stay home.”

At his 8:30 a.m. news briefing, the governor said Bradley International Airport will also close at 1 p.m.

The governor said the worst winds from Sandy are expected between 3:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

Gov. Malloy said this is the most catastrophic event Connecticut has experienced or ever had to plan for. He said Connecticut is expecting twice as much water in the sound as there was during Irene.

"I'm most concerned about the loss of life along the coast," Gov. Malloy said.

CL&P has 2 substations that are at risk for flooding. Stamford's substation is having a concrete berm built around it but Branford's substation, which serves 16,000 is too large to build protection.

Six UI substations are at risk for flooding and they have 20% more line workers and tree workers then during Irene.

"Stay home, hang on, pray and hope for the best," Gov. Malloy said.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Connecticut's shoreline cities and towns were bracing for severe flooding today as the wind and storm surge of Sandy hits Long Island Sound.

Mandatory evacuations were in place for many shoreline towns for residents in flood prone, low-lying areas. Four high tide cycles are expected during the storm, sending water well past the flooding experienced last year during Irene.

"The high