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CL&P, Stamford Work To Limit Hurricane Sandy Damage

STAMFORD, Conn. — In an effort to try to prevent power outages from Hurricane Sandy in Stamford’s downtown and South End, Connecticut Light & Power is building 6-foot-high concrete berms around the perimeter of an electric substation on Pacific Street.

Water rises on one side of the hurricane barrier in Stamford Harbor.

Water rises on one side of the hurricane barrier in Stamford Harbor.

Photo Credit: Police Chief Jon Fontneau
William Herdegen III, president of CL&P, and Mayor Michael Pavia update Stamford on Hurricane Sandy preparations.

William Herdegen III, president of CL&P, and Mayor Michael Pavia update Stamford on Hurricane Sandy preparations.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo
CL&P Crews work to build a six-foot wall around a substation in Stamford's South End.

CL&P Crews work to build a six-foot wall around a substation in Stamford's South End.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

“We think they’re [the berms] three times the size than we think we’re going to need,” William Herdegen III, president of Connecticut Light & Power, said during a Monday morning news conference at the Stamford Government Center.

During Hurricane Irene last August, the substation was not harmed by the weather, he said, but the power company wanted to be cautious. If the substation sustains damage, CL&P may bring in mobile stations or hook up to others nearby to accommodate residents, he said.

The city still strongly urges residents in Sea, Lake and Overland Surge from Hurricanes Inundation Map Zones 3 and 4 to prepare to evacuate but have yet to make it mandatory. It would be necessary if the storm surge reaches its predicted levels of 8 to 12 feet, Mayor Michael Pavia said.

“It’s a storm I’ve never seen, it defies all logic," Pavia said describing it as a “hybrid storm.”

The evacuation of Zones 1 and 2 were announced Sunday afternoon.

The city currently has three shelters open: Stamford High School, 55 Strawberry Hill Ave.; Rippowam Middle School, 381 High Ridge Road; and Scofield Magnet Middle School, 641 Scofieldtown Road. Stamford High will also accommodate pets.

People should bring any necessary medications, pet food, toiletries and bed linens to the shelters.

Residents worried about their cars can park them in Bell Street, Bedford Street and Summer Street garages for free.

No roads had been closed by late Monday morning, but barricades have been put in place and will be used later in the day, Pavia said.

Absentee voting will continue in the town clerk’s office as long as the Government Center remains open and will extend the hours if and when it closes, Pavia said. Extended hours will be announced at a later time.

Continue to check The Stamford Daily Voice as more information is released. 

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