Fairfield County, Connecticut, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Fairfield County, Connecticut is under a flash flood warning until 2 a.m. Thursday as heavy thunderstorms, driven by Hurricane Erin’s outer bands, result in dangerous flooding. Reports indicate rainfall totals of 1.5 to 2.5 inches, with significant impacts in areas such as Stamford and New Canaan. Roadway closures, including one due to a culvert washout, have been reported. Meanwhile, hazardous surf and rip currents are expected along southern New England’s coast due to the approaching hurricane.
Stamford — A flash flood warning is in effect for Fairfield County, Connecticut, until 2 a.m. Thursday as heavy thunderstorms and persistent rain from Hurricane Erin’s outer bands continue to produce dangerous flooding in urban and low-lying areas.
What is happening now
Flash flooding has been reported across multiple communities in Fairfield County after thunderstorms dropped between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain in short periods, according to local law enforcement reports. Flooding has impacted streets, underpasses, highways and neighborhoods, with specific incidents in Stamford, New Canaan, Greenwich, Hawthorne, Pleasantville and other locations. Emergency managers have reported damaged roadways and homes in the Clear Creek Township area.
A separate flash flood warning is also in effect for parts of northwestern New Haven County and north central Fairfield County until 5:30 p.m. Local authorities report one roadway closure where a culvert washed away on Winchester Southern Road. A propane tank was reported to have come loose during flooding, creating a potential leak concern. No injuries have been reported so far.
Expected regional impacts and forecast
Hurricane Erin is currently moving northward up the Atlantic off the East Coast and is aimed toward the Boston region but is forecast to curve back out to sea. Erin is expected to re-strengthen into a major hurricane by Wednesday offshore. Although the core of the storm is expected to remain over water, southern New England is facing direct impacts from the storm’s outer bands.
- Heavy rain is expected to continue through Wednesday, with the heaviest amounts along and south of the Massachusetts Turnpike (Mass. Pike).
- Cloudy conditions with lingering showers will persist into Thursday morning with gradual improvement later in the day.
- Temperatures will remain in the 60s to low 70s through late August, then trend warmer and drier by Friday into the weekend with highs rebounding into the upper 70s and 80s.
- Additional rain is possible late Sunday into early next week.
Coastal and marine hazards
Even with the hurricane staying offshore, large swells will push toward southern New England. Those swells will create high surf, dangerous rip currents, and possible coastal flooding and beach erosion on south-facing beaches. Gale-force gusts and rough seas are possible Thursday and Friday, producing hazardous marine conditions for small craft and shoreline activities.
Strong onshore winds are expected to develop Thursday, especially across Cape Cod and the Islands, driven by pressure differences around the storm. Beachgoers, boaters and shoreline residents should expect hazardous surf and elevated coastal water levels on south-facing shores.
Local conditions and safety concerns
Roads and infrastructure have been affected: underpasses and low-lying streets are experiencing standing water, some roadways have been damaged or washed out, and at least one culvert failure has closed a section of Winchester Southern Road. The loose propane tank reported amid flood waters represents a potential public safety hazard and is being monitored; residents should avoid areas where fuel or gas leaks are suspected and report such hazards to emergency services.
Authorities emphasize that flash flooding can develop quickly and that standing or flowing water on roadways is dangerous. Motorists should avoid driving through flooded roadways and underpasses. Residents in flooded neighborhoods should move to higher ground if necessary and avoid contact with moving water.
What to expect next
Improving conditions are expected later Thursday into Friday, with a shift to drier and more seasonable weather for the weekend. However, hazardous surf and coastal impacts may continue through Friday, and there remains the potential for more rain late Sunday into early next week. Marine operators, shoreline residents and anyone in low-lying coastal or urban areas should remain alert to changing conditions and updated warnings.
Key advisory points
- Flash Flood Warning (Fairfield County): In effect until 2 a.m. Thursday.
- Additional Flash Flood Warning: Northwestern New Haven and north central Fairfield counties until 5:30 p.m.
- Heavy rain totals: 1.5 to 2.5 inches reported in parts of Fairfield County.
- Road impacts: Washed-away culvert closed Winchester Southern Road; other local closures and roadway damage reported.
- Coastal hazards: High surf, dangerous rip currents, potential coastal flooding and beach erosion on south-facing beaches; gale-force gusts possible.
- Injuries: No injuries reported as of current reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What areas are under flash flood warnings?
A: Fairfield County is under a flash flood warning until 2 a.m. Thursday. Portions of northwestern New Haven County and north central Fairfield County have a flash flood warning until 5:30 p.m.
Q: How much rain has fallen?
A: Local reports indicate rainfall amounts of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches from recent thunderstorms in parts of Fairfield County.
Q: Are there any road closures or damaged roads?
A: Yes. A section of Winchester Southern Road is closed due to a washed-away culvert. Additional roadway flooding and damage have been reported across the county; drivers should avoid flooded streets.
Q: Is the hurricane expected to make landfall in New England?
A: The forecast track indicates Hurricane Erin will move northward along the Atlantic and is likely to curve back out to sea, remaining offshore. The storm’s outer bands will still affect the region with rain, wind and coastal hazards.
Q: What coastal hazards should people expect?
A: Expect large swells, high surf, dangerous rip currents, potential coastal flooding and beach erosion on south-facing beaches. Gale-force gusts and rough seas may create hazardous marine conditions Thursday and Friday.
Q: What should I do if I encounter a propane tank or fuel leak?
A: If you see a loose tank or suspect a leak, keep a safe distance, avoid open flames or switching electrical devices nearby, and notify emergency responders or local authorities immediately. Do not attempt to move the tank yourself.
Quick Reference Table
| Hazard | Areas Affected | Timeframe | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Flooding | Fairfield County; parts of NW New Haven County | Until 2 a.m. Thursday (Fairfield); until 5:30 p.m. (other area) | Avoid flooded roads and underpasses; move to higher ground if flooded; do not drive through standing water. |
| Heavy Rain | Areas along and south of the Mass. Pike | Through Wednesday | Expect ponding on roads; exercise caution when traveling; secure outdoor items. |
| High Surf & Rip Currents | South-facing beaches of southern New England | Thursday–Friday (and while swells persist) | Avoid entering the water; stay off eroding beaches; heed local beach advisories. |
| Wind & Marine Hazards | Cape Cod, Islands, coastal waters | Thursday–Friday | Avoid small craft operations; secure vessels and loose outdoor items; monitor conditions. |
| Infrastructure Damage | Local roadways, Clear Creek Township | Ongoing | Report damaged roads to local authorities; use alternate routes; obey road closure signs. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Offshore Threatens New England Coast
Severe Heat Wave Hits New England
Boston Braces for Upcoming Heat Wave This Week
Boston to Experience Milder Temperatures and Sunshine
Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Flash Flood Alerts in Boston
Severe Thunderstorms and Job Losses Impact Massachusetts
Boston Faces Extreme Heat Wave with Record Temperatures
Boston Braces for Intense Humidity and Heat This Week
Boston Experiences Significant Temperature Drop
Massachusetts Faces Record-Breaking Power Outages Amid Heat Wave
Additional Resources
- Stamford Advocate
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- ABC 6 On Your Side
- Google Search: Flash Flood warning
- Lancaster Eagle Gazette
- Google Scholar: Flood Impact Assessment
- The Dispatch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Patch: Meriden
- Google News: Flash Flood warning Connecticut
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
