‘Have a plan.’ CT emergency directors say don’t downplay ‘below normal’ hurricane season
Despite NOAA's prediction of a "below normal" 2026 hurricane season, Superstorm Sandy proved it only takes one storm to cause a massive amount of damage.
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Even though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a “below normal” hurricane season, Connecticut emergency managers are urging homeowners not to let their guard down.
"BELOW NORMAL" YEAR BROUGHT SANDY
Superstorm Sandy struck in 2012 – another “below normal” hurricane season. The storm’s 10-foot storm surge killed four people and caused $360 million in damage across Connecticut.
“We pulled people out of flood waters,” said Gen. Francis Evon, commander of the Connecticut National Guard. “We cleared debris. We supported local first responders as long as the mission lasted.”
One of the hardest-hit areas was Cosey Beach in East Haven. On Tuesday, emergency leaders gathered there to outline preparations for this year’s storm season.
"PREPARATION MATTERS"
The biggest part of the plan involves you.
“Preparation matters,” said Ronnell Higgins, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “Have a plan. Know your evacuation route. build an emergency kit.”
That includes your furry friends.
“What we’ve seen in our experience is people will not leave their homes if they have to leave their pet behind,” said Richard Branigan, with the American Red Cross of Connecticut and Rhode Island.
INLAND AREAS TOO
And you need to prepare, even if you don’t live anywhere near the shoreline.
In 2024, Oxford and the Naugatuck Valley suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in losses from flash flooding. A new law requires insurance agents to warn you of the risk.
“We heard from so many of the homeowners that, ‘I don’t live in a flood plain; I don't live near a river; I don't live near the coast. I didn't know I needed flood insurance,” said state emergency management director William Turner. “As we hear about a below-average hurricane season, it’s not the time to let our guard down.”
Climatologists project a 20-inch rise in Connecticut’s sea level by 2050.
The state is preparing, too. In the case of widespread power outages, Connecticut now has eight “microgrids” – with more on the way.
“To ensure that critical facilities – you know, gas stations, senior centers, grocery stores – would be able to stay up and keep up their power 24-7,” said Katie Dykes, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection commissioner.
CTALERT NOTIFICATIONS
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