Is your commute a nightmare right now? A powerful nor'easter has ripped through Connecticut, leaving downed trees and power lines in its wake, and unfortunately, some roads are completely impassable. But here's where it gets controversial... While many were enjoying a day off for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day, others were dealing with the storm's aftermath. Was it right to have the holiday as scheduled, given the impending weather? Let's dive into which roads are affected and how this storm impacted the state.
This nor'easter, which swept up the eastern U.S. on Sunday, brought heavy rain and strong winds to Connecticut overnight and into Monday. The powerful gusts toppled trees and snapped branches, leading to widespread power outages affecting thousands of homes and businesses. The storm's impact resulted in numerous road closures across the state, creating headaches for those who did need to travel.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation's traffic monitoring website, CT Roads, reported several closures Monday morning, particularly in the hilly, rural areas of northwestern Connecticut. And this is the part most people miss... the impact isn't just on drivers. Emergency services are also affected, potentially delaying response times in critical situations.
It's worth noting that many schools and offices were already closed on Monday due to the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday. However, the storm exacerbated travel difficulties and safety concerns for those who had to be on the road despite the holiday.
Here's a breakdown of the reported road closures as of Monday morning:
- East Haddam: Route 431 is closed at Bone Hill Road due to a downed tree entangled in power lines, according to the CTDOT. The closure was reported at 1 p.m.
- Kent: Route 341 (Segar Mountain Road) is closed between Davis Road and Richards Road due to a fallen tree with utility wires, the DOT reported. This closure was reported around 5:45 a.m. Imagine starting your Monday with that surprise!
- Ledyard: Church Hill Road was closed at Bellows Lane. Silas Deane Road is closed approximately 100 yards from Shewville Road, according to the Ledyard Police Department. Sandy Hollow Road was initially closed but reopened around noon. A big shout out to the crews that worked quickly to clear that road.
- Litchfield and Morris: Route 63 is closed between County Road in Morris and Webster Road in Litchfield due to a tree down with utility wires. This closure was reported around 5:55 a.m.
- Montville: Connecticut Route 85 is closed in both directions between Day Road and Daisy Hill Road because of a tree in the roadway with wires down, per CTDOT. The closure was reported at 10:45 a.m.
- North Canaan: Old Turnpike Road North is closed in the 40 block due to a large tree, according to town officials. Power is also out in the area, and Eversource has been notified.
- Redding: Picketts Ridge Road at the intersection of George Hull Hill Road is closed due to downed trees and wires, Redding police reported. Route 58 (Black Rock Turnpike) was closed between Cross Highway and Meeker Hill Road due to a downed tree, and Peaceable Street was also shut down, but both Route 58 and Peaceable Street have since reopened.
- Simsbury: Route 309 (North Canton Road) is closed between Pinnacle Ridge Farms and Westledge Road due to a tree down with utility wires, according to the CTDOT. The closure was reported around 5:15 a.m.
- Washington: Route 109 (Blackville Road) is closed between Bee Brook Road and Sabbaday Lane because of a downed tree with utility wires, the DOT said. The closure was reported around 3:24 a.m.
- Wilton: Route 53 (Chestnut Hill Road) is closed between Thistle Lane and Dudley Road due to a tree down on utility wires, the state DOT reported. The closure was first reported around 8:40 a.m.
Stay informed about the latest weather updates and traffic conditions by following CT Insider and checking the CT Roads website. It's crucial to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather events. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that utility companies should be more proactive in trimming trees near power lines to prevent these widespread outages. What are your thoughts?
What do you think about the response to the storm? Were the road closures handled efficiently? Do you believe the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday should have been postponed or cancelled considering the weather forecast? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
