September 13 Flood: Town Emergency Response and Recovery

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Westport experienced a devastating flash flood when the Norwalk-to-Westport area received 5 to 6 inches of rain between 7 a.m. and early afternoon at rates up to 3 to 4 inches per hour. Emergency crews responded to approximately 130 flood-related calls, conducted 13 rescues from vehicles, and evacuated five residents from a care facility. Fire, police, EMS, Public Works, and dispatch teams worked in coordination with Eversource to secure utilities and make affected properties safe. Downtown streets were submerged, including Myrtle Avenue and Post Road. Businesses, vehicles, and homes sustained extensive damage. First Selectman Kevin Christie stated: 'Many are still cleaning up, and some face extensive repairs and a prolonged recovery. We are focused on addressing immediate needs and supporting the work ahead.' The town launched a Storm Recovery Resource Page directing residents to damage reporting, insurance claims, immediate needs assistance, and recovery work progress. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief offered free flood recovery assistance including assessment, removal of damaged materials, cleanup, and mold mitigation. The Westport Municipal hazard mitigation report identifies downtown as highly vulnerable due to coastal storm surge potential, heavy precipitation, low-lying topography along Saugatuck River, and drainage limitations at Dead Man's Brook.