Flooding breaches dam, closes streets

New London (WTNH) - Heavy flooding and lightning were reported in southeast Connecticut, today, damaging roads and trapping cars.

In Stonington, water levels were so high that the crest gates of the Palmer Dam at its Mistuxet Avenue site had to be opened to relieve the intense pressure.

"I think it's pretty impressive," said Stafford McClean of Stonington. "It's going to be really awesome when it rips the road right out."

The water peeled back asphalt like a banana as it flowed rushed to the streets.

"There was an unprecedented amount of rain that came down in a short period of time," said Stonington First Selectman Ed Haberek Jr.

A dam also broke near Sylvia Pond on Briar Patch Road where one family was forced to evacuate.

Heavy flooding also took place in Mystic. Route 1, east of Mason Island Road,  closed due to flooding. Spellman Drive near the police department was also closed. And, the Mystic Aquarium parking lot was knee-high in water, trapping in cars.

In Groton, lightning hit a doctor's office on Sandy Hollow Road.

No injuries have been reported.

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