Greenwich residents calling the police department for non-emergency matters during Wednesday's storm should expect longer wait times. The reason: the department's 911 and non-emergency lines feed into the same dispatch center, and dispatchers are prioritizing life-safety calls.

The Greenwich Police Department (GPD) posted the operational advisory on Tuesday, July 28, as the National Weather Service flood watch took effect. That flood watch remains active through 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 29.

The department said dispatchers will answer every call as quickly as possible but asked residents for patience as emergency calls take priority.

For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency police matters, the number is 203-622-8004.

Storm details

The NWS flood watch covers Greenwich from 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 29. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection said there is high confidence southwestern Connecticut will receive 3 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 10 inches.

Town of Greenwich Emergency Management Director Joe Laucella said the storm will bring 3 to 5 inches of rain to southwestern Connecticut, with isolated locations potentially seeing up to 10 inches, according to Patch.

Rainfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour. The NWS Weather Prediction Center placed parts of Connecticut under a Moderate Risk (Level 3 of 4) for excessive rainfall on Tuesday, July 28, and Tuesday night.

First Selectman Fred Camillo urged residents on Tuesday, July 28, to use extra caution while driving and prepare for potential coastal flooding.

Safety guidance

The GPD strongly encourages residents to stay home if travel is not necessary during periods of heavy rainfall. Key guidance from the department's storm advisory:

• Slow down and allow extra stopping distance.
• Turn on headlights whenever wipers are in use.
• Never use cruise control in heavy rain.
• Watch for standing water, fallen trees, debris, and downed utility wires.
• Do not drive around barricades or road closure signs.
• Never drive through a flooded roadway. "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
• If your vehicle becomes stranded in rising floodwaters, leave it immediately if safe and move to higher ground.

Keep children away from storm drains, streams, and other fast-moving water.

Road closures and alerts

The department said it will post road closures to its official social media channels as conditions warrant. Residents should check those platforms before traveling, as conditions may change rapidly. No specific road closures had been announced as of Wednesday, July 29.

Residents can sign up for emergency notifications through the town's Greenwich Alerts system. The GPD said it is monitoring conditions alongside the Town of Greenwich Office of Emergency Management.