Greenwich residents who suffered losses in Sunday, Sept. 13, flooding can now report damage through a state-run online portal. The reports will help Connecticut determine whether to seek a federal disaster declaration that could unlock FEMA recovery funds.

The portal, operated by the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, collects information on damage to homes, rental properties and businesses. Reports submitted will feed the state's Initial Damage Assessment, which determines whether Connecticut meets the threshold for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) major disaster declaration, according to WTNH.

State Emergency Management Director Bill Turner said Monday, Sept. 14, that the process is far from guaranteed.

"It is a mechanism, but it is very hard to obtain," Turner told WTNH, referring to the federal declaration.

The state must reach at least $1 million in total damage to qualify, according to Fox 61. Gov. Ned Lamont has 30 days from the Sept. 13 storm to formally request the declaration. If Connecticut falls short of that threshold, low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration could still be available, state officials told News 12.

Submitting a report through the portal is not a claim or application for assistance and does not guarantee aid. Property owners should also contact their insurance companies.

What happened in Greenwich

Greenwich received 3.25 inches of rain on Sept. 13, according to the National Weather Service. Lamont described the event as a "rain bomb" at a Sept. 14 news conference in Hartford, the Hartford Courant reported. Neighboring Stamford recorded 7.47 inches, the highest total in the state.

As we reported Monday, flooding forced road closures across town. Greenwich police shut down stretches of Riverside Lane, Henry Street, Weaver Street, Benjamin Street and Mallard Drive on Sunday morning. I-95 in Greenwich was temporarily closed, and one southbound lane between exits 6 and 5 remained open after flooding hit at about 8:40 a.m.

First Selectman Fred Camillo urged residents to stay off roads, particularly in low-lying areas. Flooding was visible around Binney Park in Old Greenwich.

No injuries or fatalities were reported statewide, Turner said. He noted forecast models did not predict the storm's severity until it was already overhead.

All state roads reopened and rail service resumed by Monday morning, according to Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. King said CTDOT found no permanent damage to roads or rail lines. Crews were evaluating erosion in some areas, according to News 12.

How to file a report

Residents, property owners and businesses can submit damage reports at the state's CrisisTrack portal. The survey gathers information for damage-assessment purposes only.

No deadline for submitting reports has been announced, but the 30-day window for Lamont to request a federal declaration runs to Oct. 13.