East Haven Spared Major Power Outage, But Widespread Damage

EAST HAVEN, CT — Mayor Joseph A. Carfora has declared a state of emergency in East Haven after a violent storm ripped through the region Thursday. There were no serious injures as a result of the storm, Carfora said. The emergency declaration allows the town to get immediate state assistance with road-clearing, as most are impassable.

Carfora said that there are still "numerous power lines down, and there is significant damage to power infrastructure which will take several days to repair. As a result, some will be out of power for many days."

The town's Emergency Operations Center was opened throughout the night, and Carfora said that the town requested a mobile cell tower to restore communications. He said the National Guard provided heavy equipment for tree removal and "search and rescue crews along and the fire department went door to door checking on residents."

The Red Cross will be in town later today to assist with damage assessments, Carfora said

Carfora said that the National Weather Service will be assessing damage to determine if the storm was a tornado or microburst, and the Civil Air Patrol will be seen overhead doing damage assessments and taking aerial photographs to determine the storm’s path of travel.

"Do not be alarmed by low flying aircraft," he said.

And as the National Guard begins work to help clear roads in East Haven, videos and photos emerge of the widespread damage across the community.

Including at the recently renovated field at East Haven High School.

"Sadly, our new football field was completely devastated as a result of the storm, but we will rebuild," Carfora said.

Late Thursday night, East Haven Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli told Patch that there were, "folks trapped in cars, under trees, and unable to get out of their homes." He told Patch Friday morning that the Foxon area was particularly hard-hit.

“Foxon has extensive damage to power infrastructure, hundreds of downed trees and damaged homes a complete count of which has not completed,” he said, stressing the “importance of generator safety. They should be at least 20 feet from a house and not near windows.”

Marcarelli said that the National Guard will provide "logistical support and heavy equipment as well as urban search and rescue teams to assist with checking homes in the area, beyond what we may be able to handle."

Marcarelli said that there have been no serious injures reported as of 9 p.m., but that getting to medical emergencies has been difficult at best for first responders with so many trees, limbs, and wires down. And he said that East Haven, Branford and nearby towns who usually rely on each other for mutual aid were all in the same boat.

"All other towns in the area were taxed," he said. Towns that we use for mutual aid are in the same predicament."

East Haven Police Department Capt. Joseph M. Murgo said Thursday night that trees are down all over town with some, "into houses."

"We are urging everyone to stay off the roads while emergency crews are making the roads safe again," he said, adding people should report hazardous conditions to police and stay away from downed power lines. "And be sure to check on loved ones," he said.

Murgo said East Haven police, fire, rescue and public works crews worked through the night.

Check back for updates.