On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made her way up the eastern seaboard and struck a path through Connecticut. Governor Malloy ordered road closures for all state highways because of the immense amount of rain and wind that was going to strike the state. About 630,000 residents within Connecticut lost power. Some didn’t have have their power turned back on for over a week. After the storm passes, however, the focus turns to the after effects of the hurricane.

 

Flooding

Low-lying areas close to the ocean, rivers or waterways experienced flooding. Though, the flooding was not as bad within the state as initially feared. Because many homes located near the water are behind forfeited walls or built on higher ground, they were spared. Still there was some significant basement flooding in towns such as Fairfield, Bridgeport and Norwalk. Stormwater design is essential in Connecticut for two main reasons: one related to the potential runoff of water onto your property and the other related to potential contaminants that the water maybe carrying.

Downed Trees

Hurricane Sandy had sustained winds of 90 mph. With such a strong force blowing through parts of Connecticut that are densely wooded, there were countless downed trees and branches. Some of those trees fell onto power lines and homes, making them quite the advisory. Power companies had to work in conjunction with local tree services in order to clear the debris and restore power. People will be removing downed trees and branches that simply fell on their lawn for weeks to come. Its very important to learn about your property boundarys to prevent any hazardous trees from damaging your property and your neighbors.
 

Rain Totals

Connecticut was spared from the wrath of Sandy in terms of rain. Unlike areas such as New Jersey that received over 8 inches of rain, most of Connecticut received only two to four inches. However, in terms of yards, sports fields and municipal areas such as town greens, there was some flooding. Soft soil in the late fall also means there could be a significant loss of grass. Throw in the fact that fall leaves find their way to the ground and many normally green areas will have to be replanted come spring.
 

Key Takeaways:

• More than 630,000 people were without power.

• There was some flooding in low-lying ares.

• Downed trees caused havoc on homes, power lines and lawns.

• Most of Connecticut received between 2 and 4 inches of rain. This might cause lawns and grassy areas to have to be replanted some spring. 

• Have a professional surveyor come out to conduct a property boundary survey in order to prevent physical damage to your home and your neighbors  

 

*photo courtesy of Godfrey-Hoffman & Hodge