Fire Department: Branford Weathers Storm, Comes Back Stronger

BRANFORD, CT — From the beginning of the violent storm no-name violent storm that ripped though Branford until Sunday, the fire department responded to 232 incidents.

First responders were busy. Very busy. But in a Facebook post noted that, "there were no serious injuries or fatalities," and importantly, the community did what it does best —survive and thrive.

"The Branford community once again came together to overcome this latest challenge, demonstrating our strength and resilience," the fire department social media post said.

Fire officials also explained what happened last Thursday, meteorologically-speaking.

According to a a National Weather Service damage survey done in conjunction with the state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and local towns' emergency management officials, it was confirmed that a strong EF-1 tornado, with maximum wind speed of 110 mph, tracked southeast from Bethany to North Haven.

The tornados' path

The tornado reached maximum strength and width from this point on as it continued southeast across Wilbur Cross parkway, I-91, and down to the intersection of Arrowdale and Thompson streets in North Haven. Tremendous hardwood tree damage and structural damage was indicative of wind speeds of 110 mph and an expanded width of 500 yards. It is at this point that the tornado appears to have dissipated with its destructive straight line winds fanning out to the coast. It was these strong straight line winds that hammered Branford Thursday afternoon.

"We still have a big clean-up ahead, but we are well on the way to recovery. An outstanding job by all!"