Darien Prepares For Tropical Storm Elsa

DARIEN, CT — As the state prepares for the arrival of Tropical Storm Elsa this week, Darien officials are taking measures to prepare for the storm's potential arrival in town.

First Selectman Jayme Stevenson said Thursday afternoon the town's public works and police departments were standing by as the town expects "heavy rains, wind and possible flooding."

"Residents should stay home if possible and avoid low lying areas that typically flood," Stevenson said, "Post Road, Leroy [Avenue] and Raymond Street railroad underpasses to be specific."

Stevenson also noted power outages as a result of the storm were possible.

Police Capt. Jeremiah Marron said the department is taking several "preparedness measures" in advance of the storm.

"As a storm of this nature can be unpredictable," Marron said, "we ensure that our patrol vehicles are fully supplied with items such as caution/police line tape, road flares, etc."

The department's communications center is preparing for a larger than normal call volume due to the storm, and police are streamlining communications with the town's fire departments, emergency medical services, utility companies, neighboring police departments and the South West Regional Communications Center, Marron said.

"We have already reached out to other town agencies that we know we will need to collaborate with over the next 24 hours and we will remain in close contact," Marron said. "We are hoping for the best and know that making these efforts ahead of time put us in the best position to provide a safe and efficient response [Friday]."

Residents and any travelers to Darien during the storm are asked to stay away from downed trees and power lines, avoid driving through flooded roadways and underpasses and to keep clear of swollen, fast moving rivers, Marron said.

For non-emergencies, police can be reached at 203-662-5300. Dial 9-1-1 for all life threatening and emergency calls, Marron said.