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Updated Monday, August 7, 2023 – Heavy rain unleashed flash flooding across multiple Connecticut towns Sunday morning, forcing road closures, stranding drivers and temporarily shutting down the departures terminal at Tweed New Haven Airport.
The National Weather Service extended a Flash Flood Warning for southern Fairfield County – including Westport – until 11 a.m., with additional rainfall expected through the morning. Officials warned that even after the warning expires, water levels on low-lying roads and underpasses could remain dangerous for hours.
The airport took the rare step of closing its departures terminal as water pooled around the facility, advising travelers not to come unless their flight was confirmed departing. Arrivals continued but remained subject to real-time conditions. The airport said it would update travelers as the situation evolved.
A representative noted that the flooding was localized and that airport operations were expected to resume later in the day, but passengers should check with airlines first.
Stamford’s Emergency Communications Center reported flooding at key intersections near underpasses, including Elm and Myrtle streets, Myrtle and East Main streets, and Elm and North State streets. The I-95 southbound off-ramp at Exit 8 was shut down at 8:35 a.m.
Police urged drivers not to attempt barricaded routes, noting that several vehicles had already been towed from high-water areas.
Fairfield police said numerous vehicles became stuck in floodwater Sunday morning. Officers responded to disabled cars and other storm-related calls, while crews worked to clear drains and redirect traffic.
A three-vehicle crash on I-95 northbound between exits 22 and 23 shut down the left lane around 8:51 a.m. No injuries were reported, but the collision added to congestion in the already slowed corridor.
Police emphasized that underpasses in the town flood frequently and that depth can be deceptive. They warned drivers: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
In Branford, a two-vehicle crash closed the left and center lanes of I-95 southbound between exits 54 and 52 at 8:38 a.m.
Greenwich saw flooding on I-95 southbound between exits 6 and 5, leaving only one lane open. Police listed a series of full and partial road closures, including at 20 Riverside Lane, 220 Henry St., 1 E. Weaver St., and several others. They warned conditions could change rapidly and advised drivers to avoid all flooded stretches.
Darien police described “severe flooding town-wide” and asked residents to stay home until water receded. Norwalk police echoed the message, saying multiple roadways were covered in water and reiterating the danger of driving through standing water.
Westport’s Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Nicholas L. Marsan directly appealed to the public: “Right now, we are asking residents to stay home and stay off the roads. Please do not go out until the storm has passed and conditions have improved. Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around and find an alternate route.”
Fire crews responded to stranded drivers, flooded basements and carbon monoxide alarms – likely triggered by wet electrical equipment or improperly used generators. Officials said several roads had become impassable, and conditions could worsen if rain continued.
North Haven police identified several more areas to avoid: Route 22/Clintonville Road, Welch Road/Mill Road, 249 Upper State St., State Street between Sackett Point Road and Skiff Street, Quinnipiac Avenue/Middletown Avenue, and Universal Drive/Montowese Avenue.
State emergency officials repeat a simple rule: never drive around barricades. Turn around and choose a higher route. Even six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and 12 inches can sweep away many vehicles. Residents should also avoid walking through flooded areas, as unseen hazards like open manholes or debris may be hidden below.
The National Weather Service expects conditions to improve by late afternoon, but residual flooding on secondary roads may persist into the evening. Drivers planning to use I-95 through Fairfield County should check real-time traffic apps and consider alternate routes.
For the latest airport updates, travelers can visit .
This story includes information from the National Weather Service and local police departments.
