(SQAUK) — Oxford, Connecticut, experienced catastrophic flooding on Sunday, August 18, 2024, following a severe rainstorm described by meteorologists as a “once-in-1,000-year” event. The storm unleashed over 13 inches of rain in some areas, transforming roads into rivers and prompting urgent water rescues across the town and surrounding regions.
🇺🇲 FLOOD ALERT: OXFORD, CONNECTICUT#Flood | #rain | #Southbury
Date: August 19,2024
HEAVY RAIN CAUSES WIDESPREAD FLOODING– #Oxford, #Connecticut
, hit by intense rain and flash flooding
– Residents affected, roads impassable, and properties damagedSTAY SAFE, STAY INFORMED https://t.co/LQETmSkJyM pic.twitter.com/xI1AG6Mqa5
— Weather monitor (@Weathermonitors) August 19, 2024
Firefighters and emergency teams were stretched thin as they conducted numerous rescues. They performed a dramatic operation at the Brookside Inn Restaurant, where 19 people and a dog were safely evacuated from rapidly rising floodwaters. The state suffered widespread damage, with several roads washed out, mudslides reported, and a significant gas leak complicating rescue efforts.
🇺🇲 FLOOD ALERT: OXFORD, CONNECTICUT#Flood | #rain | #Southbury
Date: August 19,2024
HEAVY RAIN CAUSES WIDESPREAD FLOODING– #Oxford, #Connecticut
, hit by intense rain and flash flooding
– Residents affected, roads impassable, and properties damagedSTAY SAFE, STAY INFORMED https://t.co/LQETmSkJyM pic.twitter.com/xI1AG6Mqa5
— Weather monitor (@Weathermonitors) August 19, 2024
Unfortunately, two individuals were carried away by the strong floodwaters into the Little River in Oxford. As of Monday, one body has been found, while the other person is still missing, leading to ongoing search operations. Officials have advised residents to avoid using the roads, as many are still blocked due to the significant damage.
Flooding in the state of Connecticut, USA. August 18, 2024. pic.twitter.com/UWPZBLEbxG
— 𝕏 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@cheguwera) August 19, 2024
The heavy rain has caused severe damage to the infrastructure, leading to the suspension of Metro-North train services on the Waterbury and Danbury branches due to mudslides and flooding. Emergency teams are currently assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts as the community starts the slow recovery process.
Governor Ned Lamont has urged residents to avoid traveling in the affected areas and to heed all safety warnings. He emphasized that the situation remains dangerous, with more rain and potential thunderstorms forecasted in the coming days.
