Essential Information for East Lyme, Old Lyme, and Lyme in Sandy's Aftermath

Elected officials in East Lyme, Old Lyme, and Lyme weren't taken by surprise when Hurricane Sandy struck. Indeed, they had all put plans in place to cope with every foreseeable eventuality and the towns' Emergency Operations Centers are in full swing at this point. It's going to take some time for life to return to normal, however. 

As East Lyme First Selectman Paul Formica put it, "First we make asessments, second we analyze, third we restore." 

We've got a way to go before we're at the restoration point but for now, here's what you need to know about closures, services, roads, and power outages.

Schools: Both the East Lyme Public Schools and Lyme-Old Lyme schools and offices will be closed on Wednesday, October 31. All school activities and meetings are cancelled for Wednesday. 

Utilities: 97 percent of East Lyme, 85 percent of Old Lyme, 96 percent of Lyme is currently without power. Stop & Shop at Flanders Four Corners on Flanders Road in East Lyme has power and is open, as are the hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops in that area.

Cable is currently unavailable in Old Lyme and landline use is limited. Cell phone/internet coverage is limited in Old Lyme and Lyme.

Roadway Conditions: Many roads are still obstructed by debris, downed trees, wires, and flooding. Don't assume that a wire is not live. Many traffic lights are not functional, so exercise extreme caution at intersections. 

Atlantic Avenue down by Crescent Beach in East Lyme is not safe. Please avoid the area and find an alternate route if you're a resident.

Route 156, Route 1, and Hall’s Road are all passable.  

Severe local flooding in beach areas and from local streams remain an issue. Do not drive through standing water.       

Regional Shelter: East Lyme Middle School is serving as the Red Cross Emergency Shelter for the region. It is open 24/7 and has ample room for people and pets.

• Please bring a supply of clothes and toiletries, and any medication you need.
• If you bring a pet, please bring a carrier or crate if you have one, a leash, food, bowls, and rabies tags.  

Showers are available at the Middle School from 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM until further notice. 

Respite Center for Old Lyme and Lyme is at the Lymes' Senior Center on Town Woods Road. It will be open until 9 p.m. There is no landline phone connection at present but it does off food, water, power outlets, and company. This center is not an overnight shelter and has no showers.

In Lyme, the Hadlyme and Hamburg Fire Stations will have showers and water available. Both fire houses may also be used to recharge electronic devices.  

Commodities: Old Lyme has bottled water, MREs (Meals Ready To Eat) and ice for distribution. Call the OL EOC for more details: 860-598-0120. 

Transportation: 9 Town Transit began operating a southeast shuttle at 12 noon on Tuesday. Dial-A-Ride use limited due to local road obstructions.

Health and Safety/Special Needs: EMS in Old Lyme and Lyme are currently doing post-storm follow up on special needs individuals.

Drinking Water: All town water in East Lyme is uncontaminated and safe to drink. Wells may be contaminated in areas affected by flood waters. Connecticut Water operation unknown at this time. Lyme and Old Lyme residents who rely on wells can pick up bottled water at the Lymes' Senior Center. 

Septic and Sanitation: Beach area septic systems in Old Lyme are flooded.

Structural Damage: Numerous structures have been damaged by trees or flooding, particularly in Old Lyme and East Lyme. Beach area homes experienced excessive flooding. Structural inspections in process by town building departments.

Safety: Downed power lines and fallen debris continue to present problems in East Lyme, Old Lyme, and Lyme. Town traffic lights not operational. Exercise caution at intersections and treat traffic lights in the same way you would stop signs. There are many pedestrians on the roads; please exercise caution.   

Debris: The East Lyme transfer station is now open. VETS Field in East Lyme will be open at some point and will start accepting brush and tree debris ONLY. There will be no garbage pickup in East Lyme Monday through Wednesday. 

The Old Lyme Transfer Station will be open Nov. 5, through Saturday, Nov. 17, the Transfer Station will be open Monday through Saturday, 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. No charge to Old Lyme residents for Storm Sandy debris. 

(To qualify for this free disposal, residents must register in person at the town hall, whether they use a contractor or their own vehicles.  Call the OL EOC for more details: 860-598-0120. Please note: Disposal of leaves will be charged at the regular rates. The following are NOT accepted at the Transfer Station: hazardous waste; biological waste; rolloffs.)