At least one person is missing and at about 100 people have been evacuated by urban search and rescue crews after heavy rainfall caused a flash flood emergency in the Connecticut counties of New Haven and Fairfield, amid other such warnings scattered across the Northeast, officials said.

“Widespread flooding and water rescues” were ongoing Sunday, the National Weather Service warned. The emergency advisory, which has since been downgraded to a flood warning, included the cities of Waterbury, Danbury and the town of Fairfield.

At least one person was reported missing in Oxford in New Haven County as responders head out Monday morning to continue search efforts, Connecticut State Police Trooper James King told CNN.

“We will continue helping towns with any resources they need to immediately respond and keep the public safe,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement Sunday.

Southwestern Connecticut saw 6 to 10 inches of rainfall in about six to nine hours Sunday, David Stark of the National Weather Service in New York told CNN. Monroe, Connecticut, received 9.98 inches of rain, a one in 200-year event for the city.

In an update Sunday evening, the weather service said flooding had also affected the cities of Oxford, Seymore and Cheshire, which are outside the flash flood emergency.

“Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.0 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring,” the weather service cautioned.

“Emergency management is continuing to report ongoing water rescues, several mudslides, numerous washed out roadways and bridges as well as swollen rivers taking place from Central Fairfield County into Northern New Haven County. In addition, emergency management official are assessing the integrity of several dams in the area,” the weather service said.

Numerous other flash flood warnings are in place across the Northeast.

Nearly 1 million people in the Suffolk County, New York, area were under a flash flood emergency early Monday, the weather service in New York City said.

About 2 to 4 inches of rain have fallen, with an additional 1 to 2 inches possible, the weather service said, warning of “flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.”

The heavy rainfall also created dangerous driving conditions in Connecticut, prompting several cities and towns – including Stamford, Danbury, Southbury and Naugatuck – to close roads.

“Multiple roads in town are flooded due to heavy rainfall. We are advising residents to stay in their homes, if at all possible,” Southbury Police said. “Crews are working around town, responding to emergencies and road closures.”

“A good number of roads in the western portion of the state are closed and are expected to remain closed for an extended period,” Lamont said in his statement.

Train service was also suspended in some areas.

On Sunday afternoon, heavy rainfall also triggered a mudslide, leading to a gas leak near an apartment complex in Danbury, which had to be evacuated, Danbury Public Information Officer Erin Henry told CNN.

Another Danbury apartment complex on Main Street also had to be evacuated due to flooding, Henry added.

Connecticut’s emergency operations center is monitoring the situation and has deployed an urban search and rescue team to Southbury, the state’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Department said in a post on X.

At least two state parks were closed due to flooding, according to posts on the Connecticut State Parks X account.

Meanwhile, more than 700 flights were canceled at the three major airports near New York City on Sunday as thunderstorms hit the area on Sunday evening.

JFK, Newark and LaGuardia airports all experienced ground stops Sunday due to the weather, according to FAA.gov.

The Impact of the Storm

The heavy rain that lashed Connecticut on Sunday brought unprecedented levels of flooding, causing significant damage to infrastructure and disrupting daily life.

Roads Impassable and Evacuations Underway

The flooding resulted in widespread road closures throughout the state, particularly in the western and southern regions, where the heaviest rainfall occurred. Roads were inundated with water, rendering them impassable and creating hazardous driving conditions.

The flooding also forced the evacuation of several homes and businesses, as water levels rose rapidly, threatening lives and property. Rescue crews worked tirelessly to evacuate residents and provide assistance to those affected by the floods.

Search and Rescue Operations Ongoing

The floodwaters also posed a significant risk to human life, with two individuals reported missing in Oxford. Search and rescue operations are underway in an effort to locate the missing individuals. Emergency management teams continue to assess the extent of the damage and assist those impacted by the storm.

Aftermath and Recovery

In the wake of the devastating floods, the focus shifts to recovery and rebuilding.

Assessing the Damage

Local officials are now tasked with assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the floods. This includes inspecting roads, bridges, and public infrastructure for structural integrity and determining the cost of repairs. Homeowners are also facing the daunting task of cleaning up their properties and beginning the process of rebuilding their lives.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate focus is on addressing the current situation, there is growing concern about the potential for more severe weather in the coming days. The region remains vulnerable to further flooding as the ground is saturated and rivers continue to run high. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety during this challenging time.

The Urgent Call to Action

The recent flooding event in Connecticut serves as a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events. There is an urgent need to invest in infrastructure improvements, bolster flood mitigation strategies, and enhance preparedness measures to protect lives and property from the impacts of climate change.

The events of this past weekend underscore the importance of community resilience and the critical role that local governments, emergency services, and residents play in responding effectively to natural disasters. As the state of Connecticut embarks on the long road to recovery, it is essential that lessons learned from this experience are applied to improve future preparedness and mitigate the devastating consequences of such events.

Staying Safe During Severe Weather

Here are some tips for staying safe during severe weather:

• Stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings.

• Avoid traveling in areas with known flooding.

• If you must travel, do so with extreme caution and be aware of your surroundings.

• Stay away from downed power lines.

• Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Even a small amount of water can be dangerous.

• Be aware of the risks associated with flash flooding. This type of flooding can occur very quickly and with little warning.

• If you encounter flooding, move to higher ground immediately.

• If you are trapped in rising water, call 911 for help.

The Importance of Preparedness

The events in Connecticut highlight the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. It is essential to have a plan in place for what to do in case of an emergency. This includes:

• Identifying evacuation routes.

• Knowing where to go in case of a power outage.

• Having a supply of essential items, such as water, food, medication, and first aid supplies.

• Staying informed about weather forecasts and warnings.

By taking these precautions, you can increase your chances of staying safe during severe weather events.