Norwalk Gives Latest Hurricane Sandy Update

Updated, 3 p.m. Wednesday

NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk is still in a state of emergency following Hurricane Sandy, according to a release posted on the city’s website at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The release says that at 8 a.m. Wednesday:

• Power was still off to 13,724 customers, down from 16,500 customers at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
• There were approximately 150 reports of trees down blocking streets, taking power and communication lines down with them. Work had begun to clear the public ways. It is still advisable to stay off the streets except where absolutely necessary.
• Mayor Moccia has this to say about Halloween: “I have I advised parents to make their decisions regarding Halloween with safety in mind. Decisions should be made with full cognizance of the safety of your children and the neighborhoods. I have heard that some neighborhoods have planned neighborhood parties for the kids. Great idea!” The city is working on a plan to provide a Halloween party for first responders and the general public at City Hall. NEON is hosting something. Details to follow.
• Power had been restored to City Hall and the city was expected to be in full operation Wednesday.
• City water was safe.
• Schools will be closed through the remainder of the week. Priority has been placed on restoring power to the schools, to get them open as soon as possible. Twelve of 19 schools remained without power. There was minimal storm damage to the schools.
• Transit busses were expected to resume operation Wednesday morning.
• The department of public works has two crews: one on roads without wires down, the other with CL&P Crews.
• Yard Waste center was open Tuesday. Hours of operation will be announced each day.
• Parking remains available at Yankee Doodle and Webster Street.
• The North Water Street lot and the lower level of Haviland Street lots were still underwater and closed.
• Twenty one traffic signals were out of operation. The city has put STOP signs out, but drivers are reminded that signals out of operation. Intersections should be treated as a 4-way stop.
• Transfer station open regular hours. Garbage and recycling was resuming, with a regular Wednesday collection Schedule.
• The health department is advising residents to ensure food is safe. “When in doubt, throw it out.

Power at City Hall and the Main Avenue Stop & Shop was restored as of 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, respectively.

Top outage locations:

• New Canaan Avenue area, with 1779 outages
• North Taylor Avenue area, with 1231 outages:
• Rowayton Avenue area, with 1158 outages
• West Cedar Avenue area, with 1090 outages
• Silvermine Avenue area, with 933 outages

Five CL&P crews were in the city Tuesday, and the same was expected Wednesday. Most of SNEW of customers’ service had been restored. The remainder was expected to have power early Wednesday.

• The Fodor Farm Pavilion was damaged by a fallen tree. Trees are preventing access to many neighborhoods.
• There are only two ways open to access Rowayton. Most main roads are blocked. Full access could still be days off. Top priority has been given to clear access to Rowayton.
• The Brien McMahon High School shelter housed 240 people Monday night. Many returned to homes Tuesday; 41 stayed in the shelter Tuesday night. It will also be open Wednesday.
• The health department has visited 211 food establishments. Most are in pretty good shape.
• The city’s communication infrastructure systems were back up and operational.
• Washington Village was getting its power back. Roodner Court was still out of power.

News you can use:

Use 911 for emergency purposes only. Report issues to the city’s customer service number, (203) 854-3200.

To report an outage or find out restoration estimate call your local provider:

• CL&P at (800) 286-2000,
• SNEW at (203)866-3366
• Third Taxing District at (203) 866-9271