The National Weather Service is calling for rain, flooding, coastal impacts, and strong winds in Norwalk today, Thursday, December 20, and tomorrow, Friday, December 21. As a way to lessen the effects of the upcoming storms, the Department of Public Works reprioritized staff to focus its energy on mitigation efforts across nearly two dozen areas in the city.

“With heavy rainfall expected and threats of flooding across the region, DPW staff on Thursday prepared for the storm and worked in areas around the city that are historically known to cause problems during heavy rain events,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. “I applaud their agility in dropping everything and refocusing their efforts on flood and storm mitigation. We do our very best to be prepared to hopefully reduce the impact on residents and businesses before, during, and after any storm.”

Before the storm, the Department of Public Works visited 23 different critical waterway areas to inspect and clear inlets, outlets, and drainage pipes. Crews spent time at these various locations to ensure debris, especially logs, branches or trash, were removed before it began to rain. Following the storm, DPW will revisit these same areas to ensure the flow of water is not impeded.