West Hartford Slammed By Massive July 4 Rainstorm

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A savage rainstorm Tuesday soaked Fourth of July plans for many Connecticut residents, with West Hartford among the hardest hit.

As a result, the West Hartford Fire Department spent much of the day Tuesday pumping flooded basements, tending to water-covered roadways in town and, even, assisting trapped motorists stuck in their vehicles amid the floodwaters.

West Hartford Firefighters Local 1241, the WHFD firefighter union, posted an image of a water-covered road featuring floodwaters inundating a fire hydrant, road signs and intersections.

They also issued warnings for this and any other floods in the future.

"Please do not attempt to drive or walk through flood water!!!! The water is often more deep than it appears," wrote the union via social media Tuesday.

"Many areas of town are flooded. West Hartford Firefighters have been called to numerous rescues for people trapped in flooded vehicles and to other water-related emergencies."

According to the WHFD via Twitters, the department responded to "multiple vehicles stuck in standing water. Please do not drive through standing water."

Firefighters were also scrambling from house-to-house pumping water-logged basements, which quickly filled up.

The WHFD had to issue an alert urging folks to be patient.

"If you have water in your basement please understand we are currently operating at multiple incidents including basement flooding. We will get to you as quickly as possible," wrote the WHFD via Twitter.

The weather Wednesday morning was much calmer, though hot, humid summer temperatures are expected on a relatively dry day.

Still, flooding impacts will be visible and patience and vigilance will be required as the cleanup continues the day after.

For the West Hartford Firefighters Local 1241 Facebook page, click on this link.