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According to the National Weather Service, Monroe was one of the hardest-hit areas, with 9.98 inches of rain on Sunday, Aug. 18. Firefighters and police worked throughout the night to rescue trapped drivers and residents from rapid flooding.
Monroe Police Chief Keith White said major roadways, including Route 34 and Route 111, were closed on Monday, Aug. 19.
"It was a long night," White said of the major storm that rolled through the area throughout the afternoon. "I had a minute for a sandwich, and it was back to work."
White said that besides car flooding rescues and directing wedding guests to safety at the Waterview, rain caused a large sinkhole behind the building and eroded the land around the venue.
No one was injured, and all were safely evacuated, he added.
Police across Fairfield County are urging residents to avoid traveling and to stay home if possible. In all, state officials believe more than 100 rescues were performed, including in Newtown, which received more than 10 inches of rain, the NWS said.
In Redding, Easton, and other areas, roads are still underwater, and many are coming apart due to the flooding.
Officials from the state Department of Transportation are expected on Monday to assess the damage and begin repairs.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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