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Connecticut · Preparedness Guide

Ready for what Connecticut actually throws at you.

Nor'easters that drop 30 inches overnight, hurricane remnant flooding, Long Island Sound storm surge, and a power grid that fails in every major ice storm.

About this guide

Built for Connecticut. Not everywhere.

Connecticut is the third-smallest state but sits in one of the most active severe weather corridors on the East Coast. Long Island Sound moderates temperatures but also funnels storm surge into the shoreline communities from Stonington to Greenwich. The Connecticut River — running straight through the center of the state — floods after every major tropical system. Inland Connecticut's hilly terrain produces fast-running streams that flash flood with little warning. The October 2011 nor'easter dumped 12 inches of wet snow on full-leaf trees and knocked out power to 830,000 customers — the worst power outage in state history at the time. Preparation in Connecticut means understanding that a small state can have big consequences.

Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.

Quick facts

Top hazards: Nor'easters & Winter Storms, Hurricanes & Tropical Flooding, Flooding

CT has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify

USDA hardiness zones: 5b (northwest CT highlands / Litchfield Hills) to 7a (Greenwich / Long Island Sound shore)

Unemployment: up to $721/week for 26 weeks

Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service

Seven topics, one state

What this guide covers.

Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.

Get specific

Make it personal to your county.

Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.

Next steps

Where do you want to go next?

Know your risks

See what's actually likely where you live.

Flood zones, hazard maps, and the CT risks that apply to your county.

Local Risk Readiness

Build the basics

Start with three days of self-reliance.

The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.

First 72 Hours