Ice Storm — Hartford, Connecticut

2002-11-16 to 2002-11-17 · Hartford, Connecticut

Wider weather episode

A major ice storm caused significant damage in north central Connecticut. There were numerous reports of downed trees, limbs, and power lines as a result of one-half to three-quarters of an inch of icing. An estimated 100,000 customers in Hartford and Tolland Counties were left without power because of the storm.Damage was especially severe in western Hartford County, where entire communities such as Hartland, Granby, Simsbury, and Canton were left without power for as much as five days. Sections of Canton were completely isolated due to downed trees and wires, according to local police. In Burlington, widespread damage was reported. Trees crashed down on cars, punched through picture windows, ripped off electrical wires, stripped gutters, and shattered chimneys. Downed trees blocked roads in Bristol. The damage from the ice storm was compounded by high winds one day later. Gusts as high as 50 mph hampered the cleanup effort, downing more trees and branches which were weighted down by ice. Total damage from the storm in Hartford County was estimated at two million dollars.The damage was less severe in neighboring Tolland County, but there were still many reports of downed trees, limbs, and wires countywide. Total damage was estimated at half a million dollars.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5321293. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.