Ice jam observers were deployed yesterday to Kent to evaluate depth markers that have been placed in various positions along the Housatonic River. It was been determined that since Saturday afternoon, peak-flooding time, the water has receded approximately 30 inches. DOT crews have been removing ice from Route 7.
Kent First Selectman Bruce Adams says there's been speculation and concern about the strength and integrity of the Route 341 Bridge. While there is a large amount of ice surrounding the pillars, he says a DOT Inspector concluded that it was not compromised. Kent received 7 inches of snow yesterday, but there is a warm up coming, with rain possible Monday, and Adams hopes this will increase the volume of water in the river to a level that is necessary to break up the ice jam.
Kent Center School reopened today. The Kent School remains evacuated. Their campus is still encompassed by a large amount of water and ice. The Incident Command team has been in constant contact with administrators from Kent Center, which sits at a much higher elevation than their Kent School neighbor. There are contingency plans in place if and when Kent Center School ever needs to evacuate.
