Connecticut Requests Aid for Bridgeport Tornado

Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell is seeking federal financial aid for Bridgeport and other Fairfield County towns impacted by a tornado on June 24 by asking President Obama declare a major disaster for the area.

The letter was sent after federal and state officials confirmed damages of more than $3 million in Fairfield County for the tornado and notes Bridgeport, Connecticut’s largest city, is one of the poorest cities in the country.

The letter says the tornado knocked out power for 55,000 customers, 23 people were transported to hospitals for injuries, 50 families were left temporarily homeless and at least nine buildings were partially or fully collapsed.

Storm damage was also reported elsewhere in Fairfield County, including Stratford.