Anne Hughes

I want to make sure you're aware of a significant weather event expected to impact our area over the next two days.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of Connecticut, including the 135th District, beginning at 2 p.m. today and continuing through 8 p.m. tomorrow.

Scattered thunderstorms are possible this afternoon across western Connecticut, with the potential for heavy downpours. The greatest concern, however, is expected to arrive overnight and continue through Wednesday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center has placed western Connecticut in a Moderate Risk category for excessive rainfall on Wednesday — a designation that is relatively uncommon and signals the potential for significant flooding.

Communities including Easton, Weston, and Redding should closely monitor weather conditions over the next 36 to 48 hours. Rainfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, which may quickly overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flooding.

The greatest risk is expected in low-lying and urban areas, as well as along streams and rivers, including the Housatonic, Quinnipiac, and Farmington Rivers. At this time, forecasters are not expecting a significant threat of severe weather such as damaging winds or tornadoes.

Please take this storm seriously. If you encounter a flooded roadway, Turn Around, Don't Drown — just a few inches of moving water can carry away a vehicle. Stay informed by monitoring local forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain if possible, and check on neighbors who may need assistance.

As always, my office will continue to share important updates as conditions evolve. Please stay safe and take care of one another.

Residents have shared concerns about speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors on the Merritt Parkway. I recently raised these concerns with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to learn what steps are being taken to improve safety.

DESPP reported that several traffic enforcement initiatives are currently underway. These include the deployment of Department of Transportation work-zone automated speed enforcement cameras, data-driven enforcement by the State Police Traffic Services Unit at locations identified as high risk, and routine patrol enforcement when staffing and operational priorities allow.

State Police also emphasized that reports from the public play an important role in directing enforcement efforts. If you continue to observe persistent speeding, reckless driving, or other hazardous conditions on the Merritt Parkway, I encourage you to contact your local State Police troop as soon as possible. Timely reports help officers assess conditions, deploy resources where they are most needed, and respond effectively to ongoing safety concerns.

For residents of Weston and Easton, the appropriate contact is Troop G (Bridgeport) at 800-575-6330 (Connecticut only) or 203-696-2500.

For residents of Redding, the appropriate contact is Troop A (Southbury) at 800-376-1554 (Connecticut only) or 203-267-2200.

Keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility, and I will continue working with state agencies to advocate for strong traffic enforcement and safer travel on the Merritt Parkway.

Reminder, any eligible Connecticut registered voter may request, receive, and vote with an absentee ballot. You do NOT have to give a reason to vote via absentee ballot.

Connecticut law requires election officials to issue absentee ballots to registered voters who submit an application starting 31 days before a general election and 21 days before a primary.

The following is from the Secretary of the State's website:
New - Expanded access to absentee ballots

Public Act 26-42 implements the results of the November 2024 statewide referendum expanding absentee ballot access for Connecticut voters. Voters no longer need to provide a specific reason or excuse to request an absentee ballot for any referendum, primary or election.

Eligible voters in Connecticut may request an absentee ballot with an official absentee ballot application (ED-3). There are two convenient ways to access and submit the form:

• Online: at CT Online Absentee Ballot Request Portal 

Reminder: the online absentee ballot portal opens 45 days before any referendum, primary or election.

• On paper: Apply using this link: English and Spanish Application for Absentee Ballot

For an emergency ballot within 6 days of an election, use the following Emergency Application for Absentee Ballot: English and Spanish Emergency Application for Absentee Ballot

After completing your paper absentee ballot application, mail or hand deliver the application to the Town Clerk in the town where you reside.

Absentee Ballot Availability

August 11, State Primary

Deadline to request an absentee ballot: Aug. 10

November 3, State Election

Online Absentee Ballot Portal opens: Sept. 19
First day absentee ballots are issued: Oct. 2
Deadline to request an absentee ballot: Nov. 2

For more information, visit here.

The American Red Cross needs our help — there is an emergency blood shortage, which means the blood supply is critically low - about a one to two day supply on hand — and could cause hospitals to triage blood products, prioritizing the most critical cases, delaying non-emergency procedures, and causing risks for patients who require timely transfusions, including trauma patients, women giving birth, and patients with chronic blood disorders.

Blood donors, especially those with types O+ & B- blood (the biggest shortages right now), and platelet donors are urgently needed to help ensure lifesaving medical care isn't delayed for patients. 

Basic eligibility for whole blood donation:

• Donation frequency: Every 56 days, up to 6 times a year
• You must be in good health and feeling well
• You must be at least 16 years old in most states
• You must weigh at least 110 lbs.

Basic eligibility for platelet donation:

• Donation frequency: Every 7 days, up to 24 times/year
• You must be in good health and feeling well
• You must be at least 17 years old in most states 
• You must weigh at least 110 lbs.

There are also options to donate Power Red and plasma (eligibility can be found here - https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html

Find a blood drive near you: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

The need for blood is constant. The supply isn't.

YouTube video link on eligibility myths - https://youtu.be/qm9DZFrLWQU?si=AWW24B9ZlB3fdBsq