Community Corner

River Flooding Expected

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Farmington Police are expecting the Farmington River to flood areas of Route 4 by the end of Sunday. Rains from Tropical Storm Irene had raised the river above flood stage by early Sunday morning and it has continued to swell, covering Apricots parking lot and backyards along Farmington Avenue in Unionville.

“As far as we know the river’s still rising and we expect it to crest in several hours,” said Farmington Police Lt. Marshall Porter at 4:15 p.m. “We’re concerned that Route 4 in certain areas is going to be covered with water so we’ve recommended evacuations to residents who live in those areas.”

Residents of Tunxis Village off Town Farm Road were asked to voluntarily evacuate Sunday morning and Wannowmassa Lane, Sequassen Lane, Woewassa Lane, Riverwood, Route 4 from Farmington High School to West Avon Road and New Britain Avenue from the Police Department To Route 177, along with Farmington Village were added later in the day.

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By late afternoon, rain and high winds had subsided and many were venturing out to see the effects of Irene. Many videotaped the river. But though the storm is over, Porter said road conditions are still not safe.

"It’s totally unsafe [to be driving]. There are still good gusts and the water’s still rising. The ground is saturated and trees are going to continue to fall. People should still stay put."

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Farmington public works crews were working to cut up trees and clear roads, but still, some remain closed.

Though roads are constantly being cleared and trees continue to fall, Porter said portions of Routes 4 and 10 are closed as well as New Britain Avenue by the police department. Morea Road and several side streets are closed, too. Meadow Road and those leading to the flats are closed.

Two shelters are open for residents. Farmington High School is the primary shelter and the Community and Senior Center is a secondary shelter open to those with pets. Pets are welcome as long as they are in a cage and are supplied with food. The area by the high school is among the 27 percent without power, according to CL&P. The Town Hall will be closed Monday. Officials announced late Sunday that the start of school would be delayed at least until Tuesday.

The weather is predicted to be sunny Monday and conditions are expected to be better, too.

“We think that the river is going to recede pretty rapidly so by noon tomorrow I think you’re going to see a huge difference,” Porter said.


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