US: Flooding-related disruptions ongoing across parts of Connecticut and New York as of Aug. 20

Flood disruptions are ongoing across parts of Connecticut and Suffolk County on Long Island, New York, as of Aug. 20. Heavy rainfall across the region Aug 18-19 triggered unprecedented flooding in parts of the affected area; the National Weather Service (NWS) issued dozens of flash flood warnings across the region and flash flood emergency warnings were issued in parts of Fairfield and New Haven counties in Connecticut and Suffolk County in New York during the peak of the adverse weather. Authorities have reported at least two fatalities after people were swept away by floodwater in Oxford, New Haven County, and emergency services carried out rescues of hundreds of people caught in the flooding across the affected areas. The flooding has led to damage to homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure and many roads have been made impassable by floodwaters. Train services were also suspended in parts of western Connecticut due to flooding and a landslide near Seymour; replacement bus services are in operation on the Metro-North Railroad line as of Aug. 20. Oxford and Seymour are among the worst affected locations, with Danbury, Naugatuck, Southbury, and Stamford amongst the other affected locations in Connecticut. Power outages and flood damage were also reported across parts of Suffolk County, New York; affected areas include Brookhaven, Sound Beach, Centereach, Rocky Point, and East Setauket. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency due to the flood situation Aug. 19 and a local state of emergency has been declared in Suffolk County.

Response and recovery operations are ongoing as of Aug. 20 and lingering disruptions are likely in the region over the coming days. Although generally drier conditions are forecast in the region through at least Aug. 24, it may take some time for floodwaters to recede and authorities have advised residents to avoid driving on flooded roads.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying and riverine areas.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or landslides, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.