COLCHESTER, Conn. — Cleaning up from Monday’s storm was made more difficult for some people still waiting for their power to be restored.
The windows were still dark Tuesday morning, and scars from the storm were still visible in front of houses on West Road in Colchester.
“We actually took our kids to their grandparents in Groton so they can stay over there and at least have some hot water and somewhere hot to stay,” said Oscar Garcia Jr., whose home has been without power for more than 24 hours.
A tree fell at the front of Garcia’s property onto the road and his basement also flooded.
“Lot of water and a lot of stuff that are damaged right now,” said Garcia. “I am hoping that we get power soon just because it’s way too cold. Way too cold to be without power, and I’m trying to clean up everything I can.”
The powerful storm hit the northeastern U.S. on Monday, drenching communities and bringing windspeeds over 60 mph in some areas. At least five people were killed.
Connecticut received 2 to 4 inches of rain across the state; some communities received up to 5 inches.
More than 20,000 customers were still without power on Tuesday.
The leftover damage also meant drivers encountered several road-closed signs during the morning commute.
Authorities in northwestern Connecticut said they responded to numerous accidents Tuesday morning as roads drenched from Monday’s rain froze and created slippery conditions.
The danger was on full display in some spots, including Wormwood Hill Road where a downed tree was sitting on power lines Tuesday morning.
“This isn’t as bad as others down the road but it’s bad enough. It’s knocking out this whole area. Internet, cable, everything,” said Matthew Koch of Mansfield.
The waiting game continued for power crews to get on the scene.
“It’s been okay for us because I have a full house generator but then again propane is expensive too so either way, we’re safe,” said Koch.
Angelo Bavaro is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at abavaro@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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