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Top Stories 2012: Hurricane Sandy Hits New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – As 2012 comes to a close, The New Canaan Daily Voice is counting down some of the top stories of the year.

Thousands of New Canaan residents were without power for more than a week after Hurricane Sandy knocked down trees and power lines, making roads dangerous and tough to pass.

Thousands of New Canaan residents were without power for more than a week after Hurricane Sandy knocked down trees and power lines, making roads dangerous and tough to pass.

Photo Credit: Melvin Mason, file

Hurricane Sandy proved to be as powerful as many forecasters predicted when it hit New Canaan and Fairfield County at the end of October. The storm descended on the town, knocking down trees and power lines all over and leaving thousands of residents without power for more than a week. At one point, nearly 90 percent of residents were without power.

The fallen trees also made travel difficult and dangerous and resulted in a team of New Canaan firefighters being trapped in the northern portion of town by fallen trees. The firefighters spent one night at the Grace Farms Church before returning safely to their homes.

Downtown New Canaan became a hub for many residents lacking power and restaurants were filled by people who could not cook at home.

New Canaan Public Schools were closed for six days because of the lack of power and dangerous road conditions. The New Canaan Board of Education eventually rescheduled the 2012-13 school year to make up the days lost to weather. Included in that was changing the end of the school year to June 21, four days later than originally scheduled.  If more than two days are needed to make up for weather closures, the district will take days away from the planned April vacation.

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