Shelter Open but Hard to Get To, Officials Say

Farmington officials were watching local conditions from the town's emergency operation center at the this morning. Town Manager Kathy Eagen, Police Chief Paul Melanson, Public Works Director Russ Arnold and Social Services Director Nancy Parent convened to make sure residents were safe.

“We want to make sure that everyone is safe and the best way to do that is to stay in the safety of your home, however, if there are any problems there is an emergency operations center set up at the Farmington Police Department and a shelter if necessary is available at Farmington High School,” said Town Council Chairman Mike Clark from the emergency center. “The biggest problem is downed trees and wires and we expect some flooding in the low lying areas. The town is prepared for any contingency and their primary focus is on safety for the citizens.”

Farmington police and firefighters were responding to reports of downed power lines, fallen trees and limbs and trees hanging on power lines throughout the town. In many cases, they were hauling obstacles out of roads to clear the way should emergency responders need to get through. Hunters Ridge in Unionville was completely blocked to traffic this morning due to two downed trees on Railroad Avenue.

Farmington police Lt. Marshall Porter said in a statement that sections of Routes 4 and 6 are impassable and many traffic lights are out. In addition, the Farmington River has risen above flood stage, but Porter said, officials don't believe evacuations will be necessary.

"We do expect the usual low- lying areas to flood, particularly the meadows. If you must travel do not pass road- closed barriers or try to navigate through floodwaters," Porter said. He also noted that CL&P and highway crews will not begin cleanup until after the storm danger has subsided.

For those who are unable to stay at home, the town has opened up the Farmington High School as a shelter. The high school is equipped with a generator. However, traveling to the high school may be difficult.

"We encourage residents to stay at home until the storm passes. The shelter is equipped with cots, pillows, and blankets. Residents are encouraged to bring any personal and/or food items with them. The shelter also has the capability of charging cell phones and electronic equipment. If you need to seek shelter now please be advised there are wires and trees down throughout the town – please exercise caution!" Porter said.

Call 860-675-2487 with any questions.

Rep. Bill Wadsworth also visited the emergency operations center Sunday morning to check the situation and thank Farmington police and fire fighteres for their dedication during the emergency.

“The preparations made in advance of the storm by both the Town of Farmington and the State of Connecticut ensured that the philosophy of 'prepare for worst and hope for best' was the correct strategy for this situation," he said. "It appears that cleanup and restoration of power may take a few days and we all must be patient while this operation takes place.”