UPDATE, 2 P.M. — In a press release, Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency in response to the significant flooding impacting portions of Connecticut due to the historically severe rainfall that began Sunday afternoon and has caused extensive structural damage to roadways.
“The sudden and severe flooding has caused significant damage to infrastructure in the western portion of the state, resulting in evacuations, rescues, and more than two dozen road closures that we anticipate will need to be closed for an extended period,” Lamont said. “This emergency declaration may help expedite some of the resources needed for us to respond to this situation, and in particular can help prioritize potential federal resources such as equipment and work crews that can assist state and local crews with repairing infrastructure damage. I strongly encourage anyone in the western area of the state to stay alert for updates before traveling and do not attempt to drive through any flooded roads.”
State emergency officials continue to coordinate with municipal officials in the impacted areas through the CT Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. In Wilton, the Emergency Management Director is Fire Chief Jim Blanchfield.
According to the state’s website, the declaration provides “certain legal authorities” to the governor and state officials “so that we can take specific, swift actions that are determined to be necessary to protect the safety and health of residents during emergency situations.”
ORIGINAL STORY: MONDAY, AUG. 19, 2024 — With more than 8 inches of rain that fell on Wilton, and a forecast calling for the potential of additional rainfall, there has been significant damage reported around Wilton in the past 24 hours.
GOOD Morning Wilton was on location on Sunday afternoon at various spots around town as flooding caused damage again at Wilton High School’s Fujitani Field, flooding at the Wilton YMCA, in Cannondale Village, in Wilton Center, and elsewhere.
Danbury Rd. was closed in multiple points stopping passage between Wilton and Danbury. Train service on Metro-North’s Danbury Branch was suspended Monday morning.
Sunday evening, Wilton Emergency Operations Director, Fire Chief Jim Blanchfield said that emergency repsonders had urged residents living along the west side of Newtown Tpke. in south Wilton, along the Saugatuck River West Branch, to evacuate.
In addition, he said emergency personnel had assisted in evacuating a resident at Arrowhead Rd. whose home was along the Norwalk River where it had crested.
Several streets were closed on Sunday, but as of Monday morning, no streets are closed.
“The town of Wilton’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) is open and will remain open during the duration of this weather event. Our Police Department, Public Works and Parks and Rec personnel, as well as State Department of Transportation, are out surveying any damage to affected areas. Fire Department crews are presently verifying if all homeowners who had evacuated are able to safely re-enter their properties.”
Blanchfield said that anyone needing emergency assistance should call 9-1-1, and contact the Wilton Police Department non-emergency main number 203.834.6260 for any other non-emergency questions.
Water overflowed the Norwalk River in Wilton, flooding the Wilton YMCA parking lot and many locations in Wilton Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Water overflowed the Norwalk River in Wilton, flooding the Wilton YMCA parking lot and many locations in Wilton Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
In a repeat of 2021, water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. The nearby softball field also saw damage. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Debris clogged drainage pipes in a repeat of 2021, and water and debris flooded onto the Wilton High School Fujitani Field. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Flooding over Danbury Rd. closed Rte. 7, the main artery between Norwalk and Danbury. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Flooding of the Norwalk River at Arrowhead Rd. displaced at least one homeowner and closed Rte. 7. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton
Monday’s Weather Forecast
The National Weather Service is reporting the likelihood of additional rain and thunderstorms on Monday into Monday overnight.
Monday: A slight chance of showers before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 5-7 MPH. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. North wind 6-11 MPH. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Northwest wind around 11 mph.
Great job Heather – thank you and be safe!
Thanks to Wilton CERT volunteers who were out during the storm putting out all the detour signs and cones.
Excellent reporting of this weather event and other news, information and events about Wilton. Good Morning Wilton is becoming an indispensable asset to the community. Suggest you change the name to “Hello” Wilton not “Good Morning” Wilton. Hope you have a lot of subscribers. I’m signing up.
Great coverage – as usual. Did not renew the Hearst Media publication (Wilton Bulletin???) in July after more than 45 years as a subscriber. Keep up the good work/coverage Heather. Readers: please stay/become a GMW paid subscriber ($60 annual). They deserve our support!