HARTFORD, Conn — People might still be digging out from the snow Monday night, but Tuesday’s rain could mean devastating flooding for some parts of the state.
“Now we actually just always have to set up sandbags to keep out the flooding,” said Morris Hardaway, owner of Gateway Self Storage.
Gateway Self Storage started flooding in 2021 and hasn’t stopped. Hardaway has owned the local business for 20 years and says when it rains it pours.
“We spent all day cleaning snow today and I wasn't aware that we're going to get a lot of rain behind this, but now we have to prepare to put the sandbags out before I leave tonight,” he said.
He’s not the only one trying to prepare for Tuesday’s storm.
Larsen Ace Hardware in West Hartford went from selling out snow shovels to stocking sump pumps, drainage kits, and sandbags.
Managers say the shift happened Monday afternoon and by close, they were already down to just 35 sandbags.
“We just make sure we get the sandbags down and if we get them down, we’re usually pretty safe,” Hardaway explained.
He hopes these will be enough to hold off the water, but if not, he says he’s had to reimburse his customers in the past.
“It's something that we do we reimburse them and we were hoping that we will get reimbursed, but we haven't as of yet,” continued Hardaway.
He said even though his business is in Hartford the city told him since he lives in Windsor, he’s not eligible for any money through the city’s flood compensation program.
“We pretty much gave up after the last meeting,” Hardaway said.
No one at public works was available for an interview Monday night, but the city of Hartford did put out safety tips for residents.
- Clear any debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid an accumulation of water in and around your property.
- Move furniture and valuables to a safe place, out of a basement, or areas that experience flooding.
- On your street, take a look at the nearest catch basin and clear debris from the top to allow rainwater to flow in freely.
- Make sure flashlights are charged or have batteries, and you have some non-perishable food in case the power goes out.
- Keep phones and electronic devices charged.
- Stay home – do not go for walks, as high winds can carry debris or knock down trees.
- Move cars away from trees that could drop branches. Bring in patio furniture.
- Fill containers with drinking water and fill a bathtub with water to flush toilets.
- Generators should be set up and run away from closed spaces and away from homes.
- If a wire is downed, always assume it is live, avoid touching it, do not drive over it, and do not move it. Call 911.
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