Rain fell at a dangerous rate this weekend causing significant flooding across the Greater Danbury area.

Firefighters in Danbury, CT Make 20 Water Rescues Due to Flooding

Heavy rains fell across the Greater Danbury area on Sunday causing major flooding across the region.

The rain began to fall around noon and lasted several hours, which resulted in "sudden flash flooding across the entire area" according to the Danbury Fire Department.

In a statement posted to Facebook, The Danbury Fire Department shares that their department as well as the City of Danbury Police Department, EMS, and Danbury Emergency Management were "dispatched by our 911 Dispatch Center to hundreds of calls for service."

Danbury Fire Department, Facebook
Danbury Fire Department- CT via Facebook
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The Danbury Fire Department reports that there were approximately 20 rescues made "when vehicles drove into flood waters and became stranded." They add the "largest challenge" was at the Glen Apartments.

The end of Rogers Park became flooded "causing the evacuation of approximately one hundred living units." Those who were displaced by the flood were taken to the Danbury War Memorial.

Danbury, CT Mayor Declares State of Emergency After Dangerous Rainfall

As the rain continued to fall, Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves declared a State of Emergency on Sunday, August 18th, 2024:

In a statement posted to social media Mayor Alvez encouraged residents to follow the City of Danbury and Danbury Emergency Management for any updates on weather and road closures. 

Mayor Alvez added:

We thank our emergency management team, public safety personnel, and public works department for their incredible efforts today in the many impacted neighborhoods and their continued work throughout this storm.

Significant Flooding Closes Many Roads Across Danbury Region

The intense flooding left behind a path of destruction. Many roads across the region were closed on Sunday night. However, as of Monday, August 19th, 2024 around 6:45 am, the following roads are still closed:

  • Newtown Road
  • Federal Road
  • Augusta Drive
  • Shelter Rock Road
  • Nabby Road

According to the Danbury Fire Department's Facebook post, Shelter Rock Road closing is due in part to "a large mudslide." The post explains that the mudslide "damaged eight units of a condominium complex as well as the roadway itself."

Danbury Fire Department, Facebook
Danbury Fire Department - CT on Facebook
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Take a look at some of the destruction below:

The Danbury Fire Department adds the following reminder:

"We urge residents to please not drive into flood waters, and stay well clear of downed power lines and swift moving water.

The Danbury Flood of 1869 is a Local Disaster Lost to Time

Most everyone in Danbury knows about, or has heard of the catastrophic Hat City flood of 1955 where 87 people died. On the other hand, most people we've talked to don't know about the history of the flood of 1869. In "The Place You Live" segment that aired on August 31, 2021, I-95's former News Director Mike Allen shared his research on the failure of the Upper Kohanza dam in Danbury and what it meant for the people in Downtown Danbury that day. 

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Tips for Floods, Lightning, Tornado In New York State

New York Gov. Hochul's Office released steps to prepare and keep everyone safe from disaster,

Wild Photos of The Major Flooding Behind Danbury Fair Mall

Our buddy Gino from Danbury's G&R Fabrication sent us over some amazing pics of the flooding that was going on behind the Danbury Fair Mall. Do you think it's time for some better drainage?

Gallery Credit: Gino - G&R Fabrication

 

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