Politicians led by Gov. Ned Lamont today used a Westport Town Hall news conference to denounce Eversource for what each termed its “unacceptable” storm response. Lamont promised harsh repercussions for the utility which has left hundreds of thousands without power. The politicians toured some hard hit areas of town. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The National Weather Service said today a tornado touched down in Westport during Tropical Storm Isaias.

Tree damage on Saugatuck Avenue may have been caused by a tornado. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Sam Sagnella for WestportNow.com

A statement said the finding of a category EF1, the second lowest category, was based on radar evidence, video of a waterspout nearing Saugatuck Shores, and damage to a home under construction on Surf Road that had its roof blown off. Winds may have reached the EF1 level of 104 mph, it said.

The NWS said its finding also was based on an eyewitness report by a UPS driver. The twister came ashore at about 1:40 p.m. and did not last long, traveling only about 50 yards, the NWS said.

The tops of several pine trees were either sheared or snapped off. The tornado likely quickly lifted and possibly tracked north as a funnel cloud for another 1 to 2 miles, before dissipating, according to the NWS.

Gov. Ned Lamont today announced that, following his telephone call late last night with President Trump, the State of Connecticut has been approved to receive an extension through Sept. 30 of its full federal funding for its use of the National Guard in the state’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In March, the state was approved by the president to receive full federal reimbursement for all costs associated with activating the Guard in support of the state’s emergency response operations, however that agreement had been set to expire on Aug.  21.

“The men and women of the Connecticut National Guard deserve applause for the work they’ve done in response to this pandemic, and I have to credit their efforts as one of the reasons why we’ve been able to significantly reduce the positivity rate here over the last several months,” Lamont said.

“They’ve not only been providing state government with valuable resources, but their work also extends to the town level, as well as support for our hospitals and long-term care facilities. I thank the Guard for their ongoing commitment to the people of Connecticut. And I also thank President Trump for extending the authority to deploy them at full federal cost share.”

The state said today its Westport COVID-19 case count was unchanged at 331 (316 confirmed and 15 probable) while the number of deaths also was unchanged at 23.

Temporary signage and other warning devices have been deployed as equipment inventory allows in the areas determined to be of greatest need.

However, please understand that the Police Department cannot safely or effectively provide personnel to manually direct traffic at all of the main intersections.

Attempting to do so only creates more traffic back up and further disruption. Motorists should continue to proceed through intersections with caution and obey temporary signage where posted.

Please allow extra time to reach your intended destination to account for increased traffic on our roadways.

AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless teams have been working around the clock to restore cellular service in Westport. Last night, Verizon successfully deployed a spot cell at the Compo Beach area.

AT&T has deployed a mobile cell tower at the Police Station. Many of the surrounding cell sites are back on line.

The charging station is currently down at the Westport Center for Senior Activities. Charging stations and Wi-Fi can be accessed at the rear of Town Hall (110 Myrtle Ave. via access through St. John’s Place) and at the Westport Weston Health District (180 Bayberry Lane) in addition to Wi-Fi access at the Library (20 Jesup Road).

Non-potable water filling stations are available at all fire houses.

On Thursday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the state of Connecticut has received approval for emergency disaster declaration from FEMA.

This emergency declaration allows for direct federal assistance in support of the ongoing state and local response effort.

The governor’s office will continue to work with municipalities to determine if Connecticut meets the threshold for a disaster declaration.

Temporary signage and other warning devices have been deployed as equipment inventory allows in the areas determined to be of greatest need.

However, please understand that the Police Department cannot safely or effectively provide personnel to manually direct traffic at all of the main intersections.

Attempting to do so only creates more traffic back up and further disruption. Motorists should continue to proceed through intersections with caution and obey temporary signage where posted.

Please allow extra time to reach your intended destination to account for increased traffic on our roadways.

AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless teams have been working around the clock to restore cellular service in Westport. Last night, Verizon successfully deployed a spot cell at the Compo Beach area.

AT&T has deployed a mobile cell tower at the Police Station. Many of the surrounding cell sites are back on line.

The charging station is currently down at the Westport Center for Senior Activities. Charging stations and Wi-Fi can be accessed at the rear of Town Hall (110 Myrtle Ave. via access through St. John’s Place) and at the Westport Weston Health District (180 Bayberry Lane) in addition to Wi-Fi access at the Library (20 Jesup Road).

Non-potable water filling stations are available at all fire houses.

On Thursday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the state of Connecticut has received approval for emergency disaster declaration from FEMA.

This emergency declaration allows for direct federal assistance in support of the ongoing state and local response effort.

The governor’s office will continue to work with municipalities to determine if Connecticut meets the threshold for a disaster declaration.

Westport firefighters today quickly extinguished a kitchen blaze at a Westport Housing Authority unit at 1655 Post Road East and rescued a dog in the complex.

First arriving firefighters said it appeared food was left on the stove, Heavy smoke was coming from a second floor window as neighboring units were evacuated.

The dog found on the third floor was safely evacuated, said Assistant Chief Brett Kirby.

“Due to the early notification from a neighbor, rapid response from fire department personnel and working fire protection systems, this fire was contained to a small area of the building and damage was kept to a minimum,” he said.