First Selectman Calls For Mandatory Evacuations of Waterford

First Selectman Dan Steward has called for mandatory evacuations of all low-level areas in town before Monday at noon, saying that if people don’t leave there is a good chance emergency personnel will not be able to reach them.

Steward said the town will give people rides to the regional shelter at East Lyme Middle School if they need it on Monday morning only, before noon. To get a ride, call 860-442-9585.

The areas that should be evacuated are: the lowest few homes on Oil Mill Road, Millstone Point, Ridgewood Park, the Pleasure Beach area, the Mago Point area, few parts of Niantic River Road, Harrison’s Landing, lower Rope Ferry Road, the Smith Cove area and other low-lying areas, according to Steward. He said particularly people who live in Millstone Point and Ridgewood Park should evacuate.

The shelter at East Lyme Middle School has food, water and cots and there are generators at the facility. Pets are allowed at the shelter.

People should bring basic necessities with them to the shelter, and food and necessities for the pets, Steward said.

Editor's Note: Almost all of Niantic River Road residents are okay - just people who are in the lowest part of the road, nearest Mago Point, according to Steward. Same with Oil Mill Road, just the absolute lowest section, according to Steward. Very few homes overall on those roads, he said.