Old Lyme Emergency Management

05/05/2026

🔥 High Forest Fire Danger Alert 🔥

Dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires in our area. Please use extra caution with any outdoor flames.

Fire Safety Reminders:
🔥Blowtorches are not an acceptable way to rid your yard of weeds during Forest Fire Season.

🔥Keep cooking fires small, attended, and fully extinguished. A permit is required for open fires.

🔥Use grills away from buildings and dry vegetation

🔥Never discard hot coals or ashes on the ground or in the woods—use a metal container

One spark can cause a wildfire.
📞 If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.

Thank you for helping keep our community and first responders safe. 🚒🌲

04/28/2026

04/25/2026

Friday April 24th, 2026 marked an exciting and meaningful milestone for Old Lyme Emergency Management as we officially celebrated the expansion of our Emergency Operations Center with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to making this project a reality. From the earliest planning and design phases, through months of construction, and into the integration of new technology, this has truly been a team effort. We are grateful for the collaboration and commitment shown by so many along the way.

The expansion not only enhances the physical space with a modernized, more functional layout, but also brings significant technology improvements—including upgraded communications capabilities, improved interoperability, and enhanced coordination tools. These advancements will strengthen our ability to manage incidents, share information, and support our first responders and partner agencies when it matters most.

This expanded facility represents a major investment in the safety and resilience of our community, and it will serve the residents of Old Lyme for many years to come.

Thank you again to all who joined us in recognizing this important achievement.

04/10/2026

🔥 High Forest Fire Danger Alert 🔥

Dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires in our area. Please use extra caution with any outdoor flames.

Fire Safety Reminders:

🔥Keep cooking fires small, attended, and fully extinguished. A permit is required for open fires.

🔥Use grills away from buildings and dry vegetation

🔥Never discard hot coals or ashes on the ground or in the woods—use a metal container

One spark can cause a wildfire.
📞 If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.

Thank you for helping keep our community and first responders safe. 🚒🌲

03/17/2026

🌧️🌬️ Overnight Storm Update – Old Lyme 🌬️🌧️

Good morning Old Lyme. Last night’s storm brought strong winds and heavy rain to our area, resulting in scattered power outages and debris across roadways. Crews are actively working to assess and restore impacted areas.

If you are currently without power, please report it directly to Eversource:

📱 Text “OUT” to 23129 to report an outage
📱 Text “STAT” to 23129 to check restoration status
📱 Text “REG” to 23129 to register your account

☎️ You can also report outages online at Eversource.com or by calling 800-286-2000

✅ Don’t assume your neighbor reported it — each household should report their own outage
✅ Make sure your mobile number is linked to your Eversource account
✅ Charge devices and keep flashlights handy

🚨 Safety Reminder:
Stay clear of downed wires — always assume they are live. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report hazardous conditions.

Please use caution if traveling and report any urgent hazards.

Stay safe, Old Lyme.

03/17/2026

03/15/2026

⚠️🌧️ Old Lyme Emergency Management – Weather Update 🌬️⛈️

Good Afternoon Old Lyme,

A strong frontal system is expected to impact our area Monday into Monday night, bringing periods of showers with locally heavy rainfall, a few thunderstorms, and strong winds. Residents should remain weather aware as conditions could change rapidly through the day and evening.

📋 Overview

This storm system may bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and the potential for minor flooding, especially in low-lying or poor drainage areas.

🔄 What’s Changed?

• 🌬️ Wind Advisory in effect for Southern Connecticut and the I-95 corridor from 2 PM Monday through 4 AM Tuesday
• 🌧️ Flood Watch in effect for Southern Connecticut from 5 AM Monday through 8 AM Tuesday

⚠️ Key Messages

• Strong winds likely Monday afternoon into Monday night
• South winds 15–30 mph with gusts 35–50 mph
• Isolated gusts up to 55 mph possible

• Locally heavy rainfall possible late tonight through Monday night
• Minor urban and poor drainage flooding is the main concern
• Localized flash flooding and quick rises on streams and rivers are possible

• ⛈️ A severe thunderstorm cannot be ruled out Monday evening
• Potential for damaging wind gusts exceeding 58 mph

• 🌊 Gale conditions expected on area waters, with minor beach erosion possible

✅ Safety Reminders

• Secure outdoor items that could blow around in strong winds
• Use caution while driving, especially during heavy rain
• Never drive through flooded roadways
• Charge devices and prepare for possible power outages

Old Lyme Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Stay safe and stay prepared.

🌧️🌬️⚠️

03/07/2026

⏰ Daylight Saving Time Reminder from Old Lyme Emergency Management ⏰

This weekend we “spring forward” as Daylight Saving Time begins. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

While you’re changing your clocks, take a moment to complete a quick but important safety check around your home:

🔋 Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
🚨 Test each alarm to make sure it’s working properly
🏠 Check that alarms are installed on every level of your home and near sleeping areas

Working smoke and CO alarms save lives by providing early warning in an emergency. Taking just a few minutes now can help protect you and your family all year long.

Stay safe, Old Lyme!

🚒🏡🔋⏰

02/25/2026

Reminder - As we continue to deal with winter weather here in Old Lyme, please take a few extra minutes to help keep our community safe:

🧯 Shovel Out Fire Hydrants
If there is a hydrant near your home or business, please clear snow at least 3 feet around it and create a clear path to the street. In an emergency, every second counts — and a cleared hydrant can make a critical difference.

🌬️ Clear Snow From Vents
Make sure all exterior vents — especially furnace, dryer, and generator vents — are free of snow and ice. Blocked vents can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside your home.

A little effort now can prevent major problems later. Thank you for helping keep Old Lyme safe!

Stay safe and stay warm!

02/24/2026

🚫❄️ Town-Wide Parking Ban Extended ❄️🚫

Due to significant snowfall and continued snow removal operations, the Town of Old Lyme has extended the town-wide PARKING BAN for all vehicles on all roads:

🕛 Now in effect through Wednesday, February 25 at Noon

This extension allows plow crews to safely widen roads, clear intersections, and remove accumulated snow. Vehicles left on roadways may be ticketed and/or towed.

⸻

🏢 Closings – Tuesday

• Town Hall – CLOSED
• Lymes’ Senior Center – CLOSED
• Transfer Station – CLOSED

🚛 NO trash or recycling collection on Tuesday

👉 Please place your trash and recycling bins in a safe location off the roadway, as plow drivers will continue active cleanup operations.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience as crews work around the clock to restore safe travel conditions.

02/23/2026

❄️🚨 Old Lyme Emergency Management Update - FINAL Winter Storm Update - 02.23.2026 6:50 PM 🚨❄️

Major Winter Storm Winding Down - Blizzard Warnings Have Now Been Cancelled

The powerful nor’easter is gradually moving away from the region, but impacts continue across Connecticut.

⸻

🌨️ Current Conditions

• Storm now located approximately 150 miles east of Nantucket, moving northeast
• Central pressure around 980 mb
• A band of moderate snow continues in eastern Connecticut and will weaken over the next few hours
• Temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s
• North winds 20–30 MPH, gusting up to 45 MPH along the coast

While snowfall is tapering, blowing snow and reduced visibility remain possible.

⸻

❄️ Snowfall Totals (As of 6:00 PM)

Top county reports include:

• Litchfield – 15.6”
• Hartford – 15.5”
• Tolland – 14.5”
• Windham – 18”
• Fairfield – 20”
• New Haven – 20”
• Middlesex – 22”
• New London – 30.8”

Additional minor increases are possible as final reports are received.

⸻

⚡ Power Outages

As of 5:55 PM, approximately 5,082 customers statewide remain without power.

Outages are expected to gradually decline as winds slowly subside. Restoration efforts are ongoing, but gusty winds may continue to cause isolated issues this evening.

⸻

💨 Wind Impacts

Strong winds will continue to diminish overnight, but gusts remain possible:

• 45–55 MPH NW of I-84
• 55–65 MPH along and SE of I-84
• 60–70 MPH along the coast and Southeastern CT

Blowing snow and drifting may continue in open areas.

⸻

🏠 Snow Load on Roofs

With storm totals exceeding 24” in some areas, weakened structures — especially carports and older buildings — could experience roof stress.
Risk remains low overall but monitor sagging or unusual structural sounds.

⸻

🚗 Expected Ongoing Impacts

Primary impacts from this storm:
❄️ Heavy snow
💨 Strong winds
🌊 Coastal flooding

Travel impacts remain significant due to snow-covered roads, drifting, and ongoing cleanup. The snow is wetter and heavier, making removal more difficult. Impacts may extend into Tuesday as crews continue clearing operations.

⚡ Moderate power impacts continue.
🌊 Moderate coastal flooding occurred in some areas during peak tides.

⸻

⚠️ Safety Reminders

• Continue to stay off roads unless necessary
• Use caution while shoveling — take frequent breaks
• Clear snow from vents and hydrants near your property
• Check on elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance

Old Lyme Emergency Management will continue monitoring conditions and supporting recovery efforts.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience throughout this storm.

Stay safe, Old Lyme!