The state of Connecticut has been hit hard by numerous Nor’easters, hurricanes, and river overflows over the years. The flooding affects both homeowners and businesses, and has become a growing concern for Connecticut farmers, with one South Glastonbury farmer stating, “It’s just one battle after another daily here.”
 

What Causes Flooding in Connecticut? 

Connecticut’s floods are caused by several factors, including river overflow and coastal flooding. 
 

River Overflow

Connecticut has a large number of rivers and estuaries, and when snow melts or heavy rain falls, these rivers can overflow. Several of these rivers have had major flooding in recent years.

• The Housatonic: The river was particularly hard hit during 2011, having three major overflows by September of that year. 

• The Connecticut: The River, which Meteorologist Brian Lapis described as the storm drain for New England, flooded many times in 2021 affecting the daily lives of both fishermen and nearby residents. 

• The Pequabuck: In 2021 hurricane Ida flooded Bristol, CT leading to the overflow of the Pequabuck. The flooding was so severe that about 28 people had to evacuate their homes by boat. 

 

Coastal Flooding

By conservative estimates, the Connecticut coast is expected to see an 8-10” in rise in sea level over the next 30 years, putting these areas at increased risk for flooding. The coast is already susceptible to flooding due to reasons including:

• Nor’easters: Anyone who grew up in New England would be more than familiar with these storms. Nor’easters are storms that travel in a northeastern direction up the coastline. Nor’easters are fairly frequent, with the most recent storm in January 2022, bringing snow, sleet, and significant flooding. 

• Ocean Waves: A 2009 Coastal Hazards report by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection stated that “[f]loods are the most frequent and destructive natural disasters in New England”. Ocean waves are one of the key factors they describe as leading to flooding. Waves caused by onshore wind moves additional water into nearshore areas in what is called ‘wave set up’. The report notes that “[w]ave set up may account for as much as 3 to 7.0 feet additional increase in water surface elevation.” That rise in water elevation can lead to severe flooding. 

• Storm Surges: Per the National Hurricane Center, storm surges are “an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides.” NBC Connecticut recently reported on a new study finding that the state will likely be hit by more frequent hurricanes in the future. They wrote that “[s]torm surge will mean frequent flooding on roads in neighborhoods, and rising ocean levels could submerge parts of towns like Groton.”
   

What’s the future for flooding in Connecticut?

Unfortunately, for residents of Connecticut, increases in hurricane frequency and rising sea levels are expected to bring more flooding to the state.

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) report recently warned that the United States’ sea level will rise approximately a foot over the next 30 years. This rise in sea level is expected to take a toll on hot spots in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. 

Speaking on the impact of the report, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated, “[t]hese updated projections will help businesses, and the communities they support, understand risks and make smart investments in the years ahead.”   
 

Connecticut Flooding Resources

Connecticut has provided its citizens with several apps and online resources related to flooding including:

• CT Prepares App: This smartphone app has many helpful features. It includes information and alerts on flooding. It also incorporates email, text messaging, and social networking tools so families can communicate during emergencies.

• Know Your Zone: This interactive shoreline evacuation map tool helps residents quickly and easily look up their evacuation zone.

• Sea, Lake, and Overland Surge from Hurricane (SLOSH) Maps: This website helps coastline residents to find the most current hurricane surge information. Please note that the websites states that this information is to be used for planning purposes only.
   

Flood Insurance in Connecticut

Connecticut property owners have several options for flood insurance through the NFIP or private flood insurance. Aon Edge offers three options for clients.

• EZ Flood: A simplified option to the NFIP that is designed for residential properties in both higher-risk or coastal areas where mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply, and residential properties in lower-risk, non-mandatory flood zones. 

• Excess Flood: This option allows agents to offer even higher limits of flood coverage to clients, when used in conjunction with either an EZ Flood or NFIP primary residential policy or non-residential commercial properties.  

• Commercial Flood Insurance: A custom commercial private flood insurance solution with the ability to write multiple properties on one policy. 

^{This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individualized advice. The article is not a replacement for any NFIP publications. All descriptions, summaries or highlights of coverage are for general informational purposes only and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of any insurance policy. Coverage is governed only by the terms and conditions of the relevant policy.}