State contractors released, sent to help towns

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- While the Department of Transportation is still clearing snow from the interstates, flooding became a big concern Monday as clogged storm drains caused deep hazards, including Interstate-91 in New Haven.

"Water is definitely backing up, as we knew it would," Gov., Dannel Malloy said, "and we're also worried about roofs. A lot of flat roofs have snow that's going to hold all this weight and so that's a big concern. We're urging people to clear drains on their roofs if they can't get the snow off."

Towns are also unable to get to those storm drains while they are still clearing snow from side streets. The good news is the state has released some of its crews to help the cities and towns.

"We've actually released all of our contractors for our state DOT so that they can help municipalities," Malloy said. "We're getting some equipment brought in from other states as we speak and it's arriving, as we speak."

But things may not get back entirely to normal until sometime on Wednesday in some areas. Branford was one of the communities the governor visited Monday, hearing first hand about how this town of about 30,000 people is dealing with Blizzard 2013.

"The fire trucks were getting stuck and we had to dedicate the plows and the loaders to getting them out," First Selectman Anthony 'Unk' DaRos said. "I mean it was quite a hassle during the storm."

Malloy also heard how the town is providing services to residents still stranded in their homes well beyond the normal emergencies.

"We're also getting requests from people to get medications for them," Branford Fire Chief Jack Ahern said. It's because they can't get out and get it themselves.

"And they're elderly people and one woman needs Coumadin. It's an emergency for us, for her, so we can't deny her and we'll take care of it. We'll get it for her."

Most state employees stayed home Monday, and most will stay home again Tuesday because February 12 is a state holiday -- Lincoln's Birthday.