'Mandatory' Evacuations in Stratford; Schools Closed Monday, Tuesday [Updated]

Updated 11:30 p.m. Sunday

The town has upped its voluntary evacuation order to a mandatory one, the mayor's office announced late Sunday night.

"Effective immediately, there is a mandatory evacuation order in Stratford for the immediate waterfront, low-lying areas and areas that tend to flood," Marc Dillon, the mayor's chief of staff, wrote in an email. "Residents must take every precaution with what is expected to be a record storm surge."

Dillon continued, "Bunnell High School has been opened as a shelter and is available to residents who need a place to stay to ride out the storm. Anyone with any questions about the evacuation or for any other inquiries should call 203.385.4070 or 203.385.4100.

--

Mayor John A. Harkins and the Stratford Emergency Management Team met this morning at the Emergency Operations Center. The following directives have been put in place, effective immediately:

• A voluntary evacuation order is in effect. All residents and businesses along the waterfront and in low-lying areas that tend to flood are urged to evacuate.
• Bunnell High School will be opened as a shelter as of 2 p.m. today. Transportation to the shelter from the South End Community Center will be provided beginning at 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.
• Stratford schools will be closed on Monday, Oct. 29. (Schools will also be closed Tuesday, Oct. 30, according the school website.)
• Stratford beaches are closed immediately and indefinitely.
• Trash collection and yard waste pickup will not occur on Monday or Tuesday of this week. Additionally, residents are asked to help keep catch basins and drains clear to the best of their availability.

More updates will be forthcoming as events warrant.

Related Articles

Stratford Declares State of Emergency

Malloy Signs Declaration of Emergency for Connecticut

Shoreline Towns Told to Evacuate Before Hurricane Sandy Hits