Connecticut — A powerful nor’easter that made its way up the eastern U.S. on Sunday caused heavy winds and rain throughout Connecticut overnight and into Monday. The storm left trees down, power outages, and multiple road closures, affecting thousands of residents across the state.
According to Connecticut’s Department of Transportation, the storm resulted in several road closures, particularly in rural parts of northwestern Connecticut. Many schools and offices were already closed on Monday due to the Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day holiday.
Road Closures Across the State
Several roads were closed due to downed trees and wires, including:
- Colchester: Route 149 (Westchester Road) is closed from Church Street to Shailor Hill Road due to downed wires, with power outages in the area.
- East Haddam: Route 431 is closed at Bone Hill Road after a tree fell on wires.
- East Lyme: Route 156 is closed in both directions between Four Mile River Road and the Rocky Neck Connector due to a tree falling on wires and poles.
- Ellington: Route 140 was closed in both directions between Webster and Burbank Roads because of a downed tree and wires. This route has since reopened.
- Kent: Route 341 (Segar Mountain Road) was closed between Davis Road and Richards Road due to a tree falling. This has reopened.
- Ledyard: Church Hill Road at Bellows Lane and Silas Deane Road are closed due to downed trees. Additionally, Route 12 at the intersection of Long Cove Road is closed due to a fallen pole and wires.
- Litchfield/Morris: Route 63 was closed between County Road in Morris and Webster Road in Litchfield due to a tree down with utility wires. This route has since reopened.
- Montville: Route 85 was closed in both directions between Day Road and Daisy Hill Road due to a tree blocking the roadway. This has reopened.
- North Canaan: Old Turnpike Road North is closed due to a large tree, and power is out in the area. Eversource has been notified.
“The storm has left significant damage in its wake, but efforts to clear the roads and restore power are already underway,” said state officials.
Reopened Roads and Continued Cleanup
While many roads have reopened, several remain impacted by storm debris:
- Redding: Picketts Ridge Road, Route 58, and Peaceable Street were temporarily closed but have since reopened.
- Simsbury: Route 309 (North Canton Road) was closed between Pinnacle Ridge Farms and Westledge Road due to a fallen tree. This has reopened.
- Tolland: Grant Hill Road and Sugar Hill Road remain closed due to downed trees, though one lane is open on Old Stafford Road.
- Washington: Route 109 (Blackville Road) was closed between Bee Brook Road and Sabbaday Lane due to a fallen tree. This route has reopened.
- Wilton: Route 53 (Chestnut Hill Road) was closed between Thistle Lane and Dudley Road after a tree fell on utility wires. This has since reopened.
Power Outages and Ongoing Efforts
Officials said thousands were left without power due to the storm. The Eversource Energy team has been working to restore power, though the cleanup continues across several regions.
As of Monday evening, state officials continue to urge drivers to avoid flooded or closed roads and use caution on wet or slippery streets.
What are your thoughts on the storm’s impact on Connecticut and how communities can better prepare for these events? Share your views in the comments below.
