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East Haven and New Haven evacuations

Updated: Saturday, 27 Aug 2011, 10:32 PM EDT
Published : Saturday, 27 Aug 2011, 4:38 PM EDT

Marc Robbins

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) - East Haven and New Haven are advising some residents to evacuated due to the severity of Hurricane Irene.

New Haven
Mayor DeStefano is calling for a mandatory evacuation of the following Morris Cove streets:

Anthony Drive
Alden St
Alfred Street
Arden Street
Beecher Street
Bristol Street
Cart Street
Concord Street (South of Burr)
Cove Street
Dean Street
Doty Street
Douglass Street
Eden Street
Elmer Elmer
Florence Street
Ira Street
Kirkham Street
Lighthouse Point Road
Mansion Street
Marion Street
Meadowview Street
Morris Cove Road
Morris Cswy
Myron Street
Nelson Street
Parker Place
Shorham Street
South End Road
Townsend (South of Burr)
Uriah Street.

East Haven
Mayor, April Capone Almon is also advising residents in Cosey Beach and Morgan Point to evacuate.

Officials from New Haven's Public Safety departments, including police, fire, emergency operations and The National Guard gathered in order to prepare for the worst case scenario.

Mayor DeStefano said, "We will have flooding around Union Station, Long Wharf, Hemmingway and Quinnipiac avenues, City Point West River, and Morris cove."

The Nathan Hale school was chosen for the command center due to its accessibility to the most vulnerable part of the city, Morris Cove. The mayor ordered a mandatory emergency evacuation, but only about 50 percent of the 466 households have complied.

As the storm conditions intensify, it will be more difficult for emergency personnel to assist the public.

DeStefano said, "The fire department is available to do that. And as you can see from the boats and national guard equipment here, if we have problems and it gets difficult. We are prepared."

The city's resources are well above their normal levels, for a quick effective response.

"Tonight we have 210 pubic safety personnel throughout the city. We typically would have the 120, so we've nearly doubled," said the Mayor. "At this point we are just trying to button up the city, make sure everyone know what to do and where to call if they have questions."