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STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 |
M. Jodi Rell Governor |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2010
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Contact: 860-524-7313
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Governor Rell Orders Partial Activation of EOC, Preparations for Potential High Winds & Rain
Governor M. Jodi Rell today ordered a partial activation of the state Emergency Operations Center and directed state emergency management and public safety agencies to coordinate with local and federal partners and Connecticut utilities as the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole brings heavy rains and high wind gusts to the state.
“Combining steady, soaking rain with wind gusts as high as 60 mph means the potential is especially high for urban flooding as well as downed trees and power outages,” Governor Rell said. “That risk is aggravated by the fact that most trees still have their leaves and will ‘catch’ the wind more effectively as a result. I have therefore asked all of our local and regional partners to gear up for a quick response to downed power lines, high water, blocked roads and damage caused by loose tree limbs or uprooted trees.
“Both of the state’s major electric utilities are opening their own Emergency Operations Centers and putting dozens of tree and restoration crews on standby,” the Governor said. “We have held two conference calls today – a statewide meeting and a smaller session with emergency officials from Fairfield County – to discuss preparations and coordinate responses. And we will continue to monitor the situation closely throughout the afternoon and into the night.”
A large band of heavy rain stretches all along the East Coast of the country. Winds gusts as high as 40 mph are expected along the coast by early afternoon and gusts could reach as high as 60 mph by mid-evening in southwestern Connecticut and late evening in southeastern Connecticut. Statewide, rainfall amounts are expected to be 1 inch to 2 inches, but some areas could see as much as 6 inches.
The partial activation of the state’s EOC – located at the William A. O’Neill Armory in Hartford – brings together officials from critical state agencies such as the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Transportation and Military Department.