Major Flooding Closes Valley Road

Police report that Valley Road is closed at Deep Valley Road for flooding.  Also Valley Road at Mariomi has water on the roadway but is passable.

According to Jim Cole, emergency management director for the town, local flooding won't be a major issue despite the road closings.

"There's very little traffic on upper Valley Road anyway –  but it is closed because of flooding. Further down south more into New Canaan, Valley is partially covered with water," Cole told Patch Monday morning.

But have no fear, as the flooding won't likely create an overflow of road closings or hazards.

"We have a limited number of places in town that will be issues. We don’t have railroad passes that could immobilize a vehicle completely," Cole explained. "We do have dams or streams coming down Valley Road, so there could be a couple instances where bridges get inundated."

If safety is ever a concern, Cole advises drivers not attempt to cross a flooded area.

"If a bridge looks like it’s overflown, it's best better not to try to cross it," he said.

Cole also advised residents with questions about specific routes in New Canaan call the police and ask for an opinion. 

Accoring to the National Weather Service, the combination of heavy rain and melting snowpack has caused many rivers across Southwest Connecticut to exceed their flood levels. Water levels are expected to crest later this morning and then begin to recede. 

As of 9:30 a.m., Chief of Police Edward Nadriczny told Patch the Valley Road closings are the only affected areas of town.

The weather service offers these tips for staying safe:

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
• If flooding is observed, act quickly. Move up to higher ground to escape flood waters. Do not stay in areas subject to flooding when water begins rising. 
• A flood warning means flooding is occurring or is imminent. Most flood-related deaths occur in automobiles.
• Do not attempt to cross water-covered bridges, dips or low water crossings. Never try to cross a flowing stream, even a small one, on foot.