Community Corner

Long-Term Power And Telephone Outages Expected

High Speed Wind And Gusts Will Cause Problems

As of 9:45 this morning, Irene still is expected to be a significant hit for our area, said Town of Groton Director of Emergency Management Joe Sastre.

"As we are to the east of the storm track we are on the “bad” side," said Sastre in a press release. "Today is preparation time."

Sastre said rain and winds will increase through the day, with increasing winds during the evening hours. Tropical storm force winds of 40 mph are expected by 3 a.m. and steadily increasing to 60 mph by 3 a.m., and the up to 80 mph winds arriving about 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Find out what's happening in Grotonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sastre said that if residents have any concerns, now is when to call for help. 

These wind speeds are sustained winds, gusts are higher. 

Find out what's happening in Grotonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Keep in mind that while the hurricane force winds are at 75 mph, they are higher on the east side of the storm track.  Sastre said residents can expect sustained winds of 90 mph or more with gusts being higher. 

Due to the amount of rainfall that's coming with this storm, Sastre said, "this is when trees don't snap, they get ripped out of the ground because the ground is so wet."

He warned that if your home was flooded last March, "you're probably going to see a repeat of that again."

Sastre said to expect long-term power outages and telephone losses.

Groton's emergency shelter is located at . Call the Office of Emergency Management at 860-445-2000 if you need transportation before the storm. Downed trees, wind and rain will likely prevent or delay emergency personnel from venturing out during the storm.


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