Westport Continues Assessing Damage, Recovery Needs After Flash Flooding

WESTPORT, CT — Westport officials are continuing to assess damage and recovery needs following Sunday's flash flooding that brought approximately 7 inches of rain to parts of town and surrounding areas over three hours.

"Our hearts go out to the residents and businesses recovering from this flood, including those displaced from their homes or unable to reopen their businesses," First Selectman Kevin Christie said in a statement. "Many are still cleaning up, and some face extensive repairs and a prolonged recovery. We are focused on addressing immediate needs and supporting the work ahead."

Fire, police, EMS, Public Works and emergency dispatch teams responded to approximately 130 flood-related calls, rescued 13 people from vehicles and evacuated five residents from a care facility. Crews also secured hazardous areas and restored road access.

"I am deeply grateful to our entire DPW team and all of our responding departments for their tireless work throughout the storm and the continuing recovery," Christie said.

The Jesup Road bridge at Imperial Avenue remains closed while engineers assess storm damage and determine what repairs are needed. Assessments of roads, culverts, storm drains and stormwater facilities are also continuing.

"We understand the distress that comes with damage to a home or business, and residents deserve a clear understanding of what our stormwater infrastructure can handle," Public Works Director Larry Roberts said. "Even as we assess this extraordinary storm, repeated flooding makes preparing for future events essential. We will continue to work to strengthen public infrastructure and work with property owners on practical ways to reduce future damage."

On Sunday, inflow at the wastewater treatment plant peaked at a rate of approximately 12 million gallons per day, compared with the usual 1.75 million gallons per day. Pump Station No. 10 flooded and shut down, while the Center Street pump station was damaged when Muddy Brook overflowed, according to officials.

Town crews are assessing culverts and drainage structures affected by sediment, landscaping material, displaced dumpsters and other debris. Officials are also determining whether obstructions affected drainage in specific locations. Follow-up work includes clearing obstructions, cleaning catch basins and checking equipment.

In Compo Basin, the Department of Public Works reported that the marina’s check valves are operational. The Gray’s Creek valve was open as intended. The valve prevents tidal flooding, and closing it during the low-tide rainfall event would not have helped drainage, according to the department.

Public Works also inspected the basin’s automatic pump and found it operational. The department cannot verify whether the pump operated during the storm because it does not record its activation history. Officials plan to observe the pump during the next major storm to verify that it activates.

The department is also reviewing reports of lingering standing water near Bradley Street and Fairfield Avenue and debris in nearby drainage structures.

Town officials have been coordinating with state emergency management officials on regional impacts, damage documentation and potential recovery resources.

Residents and businesses are being asked to report property damage from the Sept. 13 flooding through the state’s CrisisTrack survey. The reports are intended to document the extent of damage and support the process of determining whether the state may be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency or Small Business Administration disaster programs.

The survey is not a claim or application for assistance, does not guarantee aid and does not replace reporting damage to an insurer.

Residents and businesses with questions about flood insurance coverage or problems with a flood-related claim can contact the Connecticut Insurance Department’s Consumer Affairs team at 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900, or at insurance@ct.gov.

Town officials said additional updates will be provided as assessments and recovery work continue.