Nine Million Gallons Of Water Flood Westport After Rare Rainfall Burst

More than nine million gallons of water overwhelmed Westport’s drainage system within hours on Sunday, September 13, as a concentrated burst of rain flooded residential areas and roads across the town.

Town officials said the drainage system, designed to handle about two million gallons a day, was hit with more than four times that amount in just a few hours.

The Westport Fire Department launched a drone after the heaviest rain eased. Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Cohen said the footage was taken after water had already fallen from its peak.

First Selectman Kevin Christie described the rainfall as a 150-to-200-year event occurring within a three-hour window.

Floodwater covered lawns, driveways and roads, while water pooled along a divided highway and rail line. More than a dozen vehicle rescues were reported by fire crews.

The Jessup Road bridge was closed after floodwater damaged the structure. A Flash Flood Warning remained in effect for southern Fairfield County through late Sunday morning.

Recovery work and basement pumping continued Monday.