Bridgeport Prepares For Nor'easter, Announces Weekend Closures

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport officials are urging residents to prepare for a nor'easter expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding to the city through the weekend.

Mayor Joe Ganim and Emergency Operations Center Director Francisco Rivera said city departments are preparing for the storm and advised residents to secure outdoor objects, prepare for possible power outages and avoid flooded areas and downed utility lines.

“The city is prepared, and our Emergency Operations Center has been working closely with departments across Bridgeport as we monitor this storm. I’m asking residents to do the same,” Ganim said in a statement. “Take the time now to prepare your home and your family, use caution throughout the weekend, and please don’t take unnecessary risks.”

A wind advisory is in effect from 2 p.m. Friday through early Sunday morning, while a coastal flood warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday, according to the city.

Moderate coastal flooding is expected in shoreline communities, with flooding remaining a concern from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.

Rainfall totals are expected to range from 2 to 3.5 inches from Friday night through Monday, with only minor river or stream flooding anticipated.

Wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph are expected to move into the state Friday afternoon and continue through Sunday morning. Officials said the combination of strong winds, wet soil and foliage on trees could result in power outages.

Several city facilities and attractions will close because of the storm. All parks will close at 4 p.m. Friday and remain closed through Sunday morning. Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course will be closed Saturday and Sunday, and the Transfer Station and all Bridgeport Public Library locations will be closed Saturday. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will close at noon Saturday and remain closed through Sunday.

Officials advised residents to charge phones, laptops and other electronic devices ahead of possible power outages. Residents should also have food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights and a battery-powered radio available.

People who rely on powered medical equipment should make sure backup batteries are available or have a plan to relocate safely if electricity is lost, officials said.

Residents should secure outdoor objects that could be damaged or become airborne in high winds, including tents, grills, patio umbrellas, furniture, play equipment and plants.

Sump pumps and generators should be checked to make sure they are working. Generators should not be operated inside homes and should be kept a safe distance away to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, officials said.

Residents should stay away from downed utility lines, never drive over them and treat all downed wires as energized. Anyone outside during high winds should also watch for falling trees and limbs.

Bridgeport police and fire officials warned residents not to attempt to drive through viaducts or other areas that appear flooded.

The city and Water Pollution Control Authority also asked residents to remove debris from curb lines and storm drains to reduce the risk of flooding. Road crews and field technicians will be on call to respond to flooding emergencies. WPCA can be reached at 203-332-5550.

Residents experiencing an emergency should call 911. Nonemergency calls can be made to 203-576-7671.

Officials said the Public Facilities Department and United Illuminating will be notified of downed trees, branches and utility lines as situations arise. Residents who lose electricity can contact United Illuminating at 855-784-3637.

For the latest updates, resources, and information about this storm, residents should check local television and radio news outlets and follow the City of Bridgeport on Facebook and Instagram, and EOC on Facebook.