Westport Prepares For Tropical Storm Elsa

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

First Selectman Jim Marpe said the town's emergency operations command staff has been activated and met Thursday morning. The staff is planning to meet again later in the afternoon following a statewide emergency management briefing, Marpe said.

"Thereafter, a statement will go out to the public with specific instructions," Marpe said. "At this moment, some inland flooding is projected, so there may be challenges with the morning commute."

Police Lt. Dave Wolf said the the department has hired additional officers to work during the storm, which will enable police to handle the larger call volume typically associated with a weather event.

Barricades and portable stop signs have also been placed in officers' patrol cars and pick-up trucks.

"The barricades allow us to quickly close roads that are blocked by trees and downed wires," Wolf said. "The portable stop signs are used at intersections that are normally controlled by traffic lights when those lights are out due to a power outage."

See also: CT Weather: Tropical Storm Warning Issued For 3 CT Counties

Wolf urged residents to remain home during the height of the storm. If a resident should need to venture outside, they are asked to avoid driving through standing water, as it may be hard to tell how deep it is, Wolf said.

"It is also imperative that people stay away from downed power lines because even if they are down they still may be live," Wolf said. "On a final note, we ask that the general public call Eversource for power restoration times as opposed to the police department as we will not have that information."

In a statement Thursday, Operations Director Sara Harris said the storm will "reach Westport in the early morning hours [Friday], bringing heavy rains, inland flash flooding and high winds."

Harris said grounds in town were already saturated Thursday evening due to the recent rainfall and thunderstorms.

"Expect flooding on roads that typically flood," Harris said in a statement. "Prepare for potential power outages and challenging road conditions. We urge all to plan ahead and stay off the roads [Friday]."

Harris said all parks and recreation department camps and summer programs, as well as all Westport Public Schools extended school year programs and continuing education programs will be cancelled Friday.

The Westport Center for Senior Activities has also cancelled all programs for Friday. Home delivered meals will be delivered on a two-hour delay, and senior center staff can be reached at 203-341-5099.

"Remember to stay safe and remain at home during the storm," Harris said. "When driving in the rain, always remember to drive slowly, use your headlights, maintain a safe following distance and avoid flooded roads."