Stevenson: Shore Residents Should Evacuate

Editor's note: For further developments regarding evacuation in Darien, see "UPDATE: Mandatory Coastal Evacuation in Darien; Schools Closed Mon-Tue; Town Hall, Mon."

Gov. Dannel Malloy has suggested that people living along the shoreline evacuate from their homes, and Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson has made a similar recommendation.

In a statement released at 6 p.m., Stevenson "strongly" suggested that "coastal residents [...] secure their homes and vehicles and prepare to evacuate." Vehicles can be left at town railroad station parking lots, she said.

Here's the full statement:

"The Town of Darien is preparing for Hurricane Sandy, currently at Category 1 hurricane.  This storm system is predicted to bring unique and dangerous weather conditions over a 36 hour period beginning Sunday evening. High winds and unprecedented high tides over 4 tide cycles will bring significant coastal flooding.  Tides are predicted to be 4-8' above normal high tide.

"Coastal residents are strongly encouraged to secure their homes and vehicles and prepare to evacuate. Vehicles may be moved to our rail station parking lots.

"We expect widespread and long term power outages and urge all residents to be ready to implement their emergency plans.  Keep enough drinkable water and food for at least 1 week.

"Shelter information will be given in our next public message.

"Please heed all official warnings.  Your safety and the safety of our responders is our highest priority."

See also: Hurricane Sandy News Center for Darien, a central spot for Darien Patch's coverage of the expected storm. You can bookmark the page and quickly find all of our coverage, organized to help you get to it quicker and easier.