July Fourth Storm Cancels Fireworks, Knocks Out Power Across Wilton; Recovery Continues as More Flooding Threatens

What began as Wilton’s annual July Fourth celebration quickly turned into an emergency response Saturday night, and nearly two days later the town is still recovering as another potentially dangerous storm system is approaching.

As of noon Monday, 842 Eversource customers — approximately 10.7% of Wilton customers — remained without power, according to town officials. While utility crews have restored service to roughly 1,200 customers since the July 4 storm, work continued Monday to reopen roads, repair damaged electrical infrastructure and restore electricity.

Town officials urged residents to remain cautious Monday as forecasters warned of the potential for additional heavy rain and possible outages or flooding. The heaviest rainfall is likely between 6 p.m.-midnight.

Recovery Continues

According to a Monday afternoon update from the Town, the July 4 storm initially left 23 roads blocked by fallen trees or downed electrical equipment.

By midday Monday, crews from Eversource, the Wilton Department of Public Works and the Connecticut Department of Transportation had cleared 19 of those roads, allowing restoration efforts to shift from emergency road access to broader power restoration.

Some residents have received restoration estimates extending into Wednesday, July 8. In their Monday statement Wilton officials explained that the emphasis on clearing blocked roads first before beginning the “general restoration phase” is for safety.

“This protocol protects both residents and utility crews and ensures that restoration work proceeds efficiently once dangerous conditions are mitigated,” the statement read.

At the time of the update, Eversource crews were working on Millstone Rd., where approximately 220 customers remained without power, and Chestnut Hill Rd., where another 139 customers were awaiting restoration. Additional crews were assigned to outages on Ruscoe Rd., Ridgefield Rd. and Liberty St.

To assist residents still without electricity, Wilton will keep Comstock Community Center (180 School Rd.) open until 9 p.m. on Monday for device charging and internet access. Potable water also is available at Wilton Fire Headquarters (236 Danbury Rd.) for residents who bring their own containers.

Officials cautioned residents to avoid flooded roadways as additional rainfall is forecast to move into the area Monday.

Fireworks Celebration Ends Abruptly

Earlier Saturday evening, little suggested the celebration would end so differently.

By late afternoon, residents had already claimed viewing spots at the high school sports fields with hundreds of blankets, chairs and tents. Crowds continued growing throughout the evening, listening to the DJ and watching the Wilton Historical Society commemorate the special 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a cannon firing reenactment at 7 p.m. and again at 8 p.m.

Behind the scenes, public safety officials coordinated operations from a command center staffed by the Wilton Fire Department, Police Department and CERT volunteers, and led by Wilton’s Emergency Management Director, Fire Chief Jim Blanchfield.

As officials monitored weather throughout the day, conditions began deteriorating Saturday evening, and according to Blanchfield, a decision was made around 6 p.m. to move the fireworks earlier, first to 8:40 p.m. and then to 8:20 p.m., “in an effort to safely complete the event before the weather arrived,” he said.

At 7:40 p.m., they released an announcement that the fireworks start time would be moved to 8:20 p.m.

Around 8 p.m., rapidly intensifying lightning, strong winds and dark clouds moving in from the northwest prompted officials to issue seek shelter warnings and direct any remaining spectators into nearby buildings, including the WHS Field House, until conditions became safe.

“At approximately 8:05 p.m., command staff received updated weather information from the State indicating a significant change in both the timing and intensity of the approaching storm,” Blanchfield told GMW. “Our immediate priority became public safety, and we made the decision to evacuate the fields and have patrons seek shelter in their cars, as well as at the Wilton High School Field House. 

As heavy rain, powerful wind gusts and nearly continuous lightning overtook the area, officials canceled the public fireworks display when it became apparent the weather was not going to improve.

Although attendees were notified around 9 p.m. that the public display had been canceled, nearby residents later observed the fireworks being discharged after the grounds had been cleared. The decision prompted questions from some residents who wondered why the fireworks could not simply be postponed until another evening.

Blanchfield explained why the town took the steps it did. He said officials monitor the weather for weeks leading up to the July 4th fireworks, and then continuously through the day of the event. “Through Saturday afternoon, the forecast remained favorable and was better than Sunday’s. Based on those forecasts, the licensed fireworks contractor proceeded with loading the display,” he said.

“Once the fireworks are loaded into the launch tubes and the firing system is set up, the display cannot be safely packed up for another day,” Blanchfield told GOOD Morning Wilton in a statement emailed Monday. “The safest course is generally to complete the display under controlled conditions with the licensed contractor and required fire watch in place.”

Because the display had already been fully prepared and Sunday’s forecast appeared even less favorable, officials decided the safest option was to launch the fireworks Saturday night after spectators had left, under controlled conditions with the licensed contractor and firefighters present. Because of the weather conditions, they expedited the launches over a much shorter time period than typical, “to safely complete and clear the launch site,” Blanchfield said.  

“While we understand the public’s disappointment, every decision that evening was made with safety as the overriding priority,” Blanchfield said.

On Sunday evening, town officials confirmed there would be no makeup fireworks display.

“While last night’s weather was certainly disappointing, ensuring the safety of our community will always be our highest priority,” the Town said in a statement.

Officials also praised the community’s response.

“Although the evening did not unfold as planned, it was a shining example of the Wilton community at its best. Residents, event organizers, public safety personnel, volunteers and town staff came together with patience, professionalism and a shared commitment to one another in the face of challenging conditions.”

More Heavy Rain Expected

Even as cleanup continued Monday, Connecticut emergency management officials warned that additional severe weather could complicate recovery efforts.

The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security said a Flood Watch remains in effect statewide through early Tuesday afternoon, while the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center continues to place southern Connecticut under a Moderate Risk (Level 3 of 4) for excessive rainfall.

State officials warned that repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms could develop over the next 24-30 hours, with storms capable of producing rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour. The greatest threat would come from storms repeatedly tracking over the same locations, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

Eversource Brings in Additional Crews

In a statewide update Sunday afternoon, Eversource said it had restored power to roughly 60,000 Connecticut customers since the storm began while continuing to assess extensive damage across the state. The utility said crews from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Canada were being brought in to assist restoration efforts.

“The storm was significantly more powerful and widespread than was forecasted,” Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Don Scacco said, noting that wind gusts exceeding 65 mph brought down trees, branches and electrical equipment across Connecticut. 

Residents are urged to stay away from downed power lines, avoid flooded roads and monitor forecasts as additional heavy rain moves through the area.

Wilton Police maintain an updated online list of blocked and closed roads.