Connecticut Ramps Up Flood Awareness After Recent Storms

State officials urge residents to understand their flood risk and consider flood insurance coverage.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:25pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, depicting a flooded rural town with only the tops of buildings and trees visible above the rising waters, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of a natural disaster.As climate change fuels more intense rainfall, Connecticut communities face the growing threat of devastating floods that can strike even outside designated risk zones.Hartford Today

As climate change increases the likelihood of heavy rain events, Connecticut is working to raise awareness about flood risk and the importance of flood insurance coverage. The state is highlighting lessons learned from the devastating August 2024 floods, where many homeowners were left uninsured despite their properties being damaged. Officials are encouraging residents to use flood risk data to assess their exposure and purchase policies before the next storm hits.

Why it matters

Flooding has become an increasingly common and destructive issue in Connecticut due to the effects of climate change. The state is aiming to better prepare residents by educating them on their flood risk and the need for proper insurance coverage, which many homeowners lack despite living outside of designated flood zones.

The details

Connecticut is hosting Flood Awareness Week 2026 to spread the message that flooding can happen anywhere when it rains, not just in FEMA-designated flood risk areas. The state insurance department notes that the August 2024 floods destroyed many properties that were not located in flood zones, leaving homeowners without coverage. Officials are urging residents to use flood risk data to assess their exposure and purchase policies, as flood insurance typically takes about 30 days to go into effect.

  • The August 2024 floods caused significant damage across Connecticut.
  • Flood Awareness Week 2026 is taking place this week in the state.

The players

George Bradner

An official with the Connecticut Insurance Department who is leading the state's flood awareness efforts.

Climate Central

A nonprofit organization that has found a 13% increase in rainfall intensity in the Hartford area since 1970.

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What they’re saying

“We really want to change that messaging so people can understand you don't have to be in a flood zone to flood.”

— George Bradner, Connecticut Insurance Department official

“Everyone was like, 'I thought my policy covered flood. I didn't know I was in a flood zone.'”

— George Bradner, Connecticut Insurance Department official

What’s next

The Connecticut Insurance Department is encouraging residents to use flood risk data from the First Street Foundation to assess their exposure and purchase flood insurance policies before the next major storm hits.

The takeaway

This campaign highlights the growing threat of flooding in Connecticut due to climate change, and the importance of residents understanding their risk and obtaining proper insurance coverage, even if they don't live in designated flood zones. The state is working to change the perception that flooding only happens in certain areas, in order to better prepare homeowners for the increasing frequency and severity of these events.