Governor Rell Orders Partial Activation of EOC as Severe Weather Threatens State

Heads to Bridgeport to Inspect Damage

Governor M. Jodi Rell today ordered the partial activation of the state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Hartford as severe thunderstorms and potential tornado's threatened the state, causing damage and forcing road closures.

Governor Rell ordered emergency management officials to report to the EOC, located at the William A. O’Neill Armory. The staff will monitor the storms and take damage reports.

Governor Rell is currently on her way from the State Capitol to Bridgeport to meet with Mayor William Finch at Bridgeport’s local emergency operations center. Location: 581 North Washington Avenue, Bridgeport.

UPDATE

6/25/10

Governor Rell: Weather Services Confirms

Tornado Touched Down in Bridgeport

Governor Says State Applying for Federal Assistance

Governor M. Jodi Rell said today that the National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado with 100 mph winds touched down in Bridgeport yesterday (Thursday, June 24) causing massive damage through parts of the city.

The Governor said the tornado was an EF-1 tornado that touched down around 2:20 p.m. in the area of East Main, Nichols and Cedar Streets. The twister traveled in an east-northeast direction, cutting a swath about 100 yards wide and two-tenths of a mile long.

“The tornado touched down for just a short period of time, but it will take several weeks, perhaps months to put so many lives and livelihoods back together,” said Governor Rell, who toured the damage yesterday afternoon. “The state today is formally requesting that FEMA begin the damage assessment process for everyone affected by yesterday’s severe weather as the first step in potential federal disaster assistance.”