Emergency Management Director Steve Williams is cautioning residents that the remnants of Hurricane Ida are forecast to affect our area today and tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for our area which is in effect from this afternoon through Thursday (9/2) afternoon. The forecast calls for four to six inches of rainfall with the possibility for isolated amounts to eight inches. The heaviest rainfall will occur tonight between 9PM and 4AM, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible. Rain will taper off from west to east early Thursday morning.
This amount of rain may cause significant flash flooding in urban areas including washouts of roadways and bridges. There is also the possibility of moderate to significant river flooding to occur. Residents are reminded to not drive through flooded roadways or areas, remember the weather service motto: TURN AROUND; DON’T DROWN.
The Winchester Police Department, Winsted and Winchester Fire Departments, and the Department of Public Works have all indicated they are prepared and ready for any issues that develop with this storm. The Winchester Civil Preparedness Office is monitoring the situation and will be participating in a webinar with the weather service this afternoon.
Please continue to monitor the Town's website and/or social media for additional press releases and updates regarding this storm. Click here for the E-subscribe link to receive town announcements, copies of agendas and/or minutes for the Town of Winchester's boards and commissions.