Dam Break Leads To Flash Flood Warning In New London County

UPDATE via the CT Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security: Norwich is issuing a MANDATORY EVACUATION order of all areas along the Yantic River from the Bozrah town line to the area of Backus Hospital due to dam conditions. There is NO evacuation of Backus Hospital. Kelly Middle School will be open as a shelter.

UPDATE via the CT Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security: At the request of the Town of Bozrah, CT, DEMHS has initiated a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) for the precautionary evacuation of the Stockhouse Road, Bozrah area due to an incident at the Fitchville Pond Dam. DEMHS will continue to update on the situation.

NEW LONDON COUNTY, CT — The National Weather Service in Upton has extended the flash flood warning for a dam break on the Yantic River below Fitchville Pond Dam in central New London County in southern Connecticut until 6:45 p.m.

"At 1237 PM EST, county dispatch reported the potential failure of Fitchville Pond Dam.

HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding from the potential failure of Fitchville Pond Dam.

IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding is possible in areas downstream from the Fitchville Pond Dam along the Yantic River.

The nearest downstream town is Bozrah, Fitchville, located 0.1 mile.

This includes the following streams and drainages:

Pearson Brook and Yantic River.
Flooding is occurring along the Yantic River.

CT DHEMS reports people are trapped in buildings and homes in and around the area.