TORRINGTON, Conn. (WFSB) – Mayor Molly Spino declared a local state of emergency in Torrington on Sunday after severe storms swept through Connecticut overnight, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread damage across the state.

Neighborhoods across Connecticut are dealing with the aftermath of the storms, which brought golf ball-sized hail, downed trees, and downed wires.

Eversource and United Illuminating customers across the state remain without power.

Torrington among hardest hit

The damage on Domain Avenue is hard to miss — two trees came down on top of a home, nearly hiding the structure underneath. The family who lives there said six trees fell on their property overnight.

Overnight, about 2,000 customers were without power in Torrington neighborhoods including Winthrop, Newfield, Pine Ridge, Laurel Hill Road, Hillside, and New Harwinton Road.

By morning, that number had more than doubled to more than 4,700 outages across the city.

Eversource, emergency crews, and the street department are working in Torrington.

Police said they are working to clear roads, assess damage, and respond to service calls.

Roads remain blocked

Downed trees, power lines, and debris are making travel difficult in several areas of Torrington. Several road closures remain in effect.

Drivers are reminded that any traffic light that is out should be treated as a four-way stop.

Police are urging residents to stay home if possible, slow down, and use extra caution.

Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors who may need assistance.

State of emergency declared

Mayor Spino’s declaration took effect immediately and remains in effect until terminated in writing by the mayor or acting mayor.

All emergency services personnel, public works crews, and essential city staff have been activated, and additional resources have been requested through the state of Connecticut.

No further details were released.

Eyewitness News will provide more details as soon as they become available.

As Hartford celebrated America’s 250th birthday Saturday, one of the city’s oldest attractions welcomed visitors for one of the few days each year when admission is free.

The Bushnell Park Carousel opened its doors at no cost as part of the city’s Independence Day festivities, giving families a chance to experience a piece of Hartford history while escaping the summer heat.

“It’s one of the most incredible pieces that we have here in downtown Hartford,” said Morgan Fippinger, executive director of the Bushnell Park Conservancy.

The carousel itself is older than many visitors realize.

“It is a 1914, so it’s a true antique carousel,” Fippinger said.

For many Hartford residents, the carousel has long been a fixture in Bushnell Park. For others, including newcomers to the city, it offered a chance to experience one of Hartford’s most recognizable landmarks for the first time.

Fippinger said the free ride day is one of the conservancy’s ways of participating in Hartford’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

“The free days when we have thousands of people in the park, it can be a lot,” Fippinger said. “It’s a lot of impact on the park and the infrastructure of the park. But also it’s an amazing time for so many people that are not necessarily always from Hartford, get to come in and see the amazing resources that Hartford has.”

While the Bushnell Park Conservancy cares for much more than the carousel, Fippinger said the attraction often serves as an introduction to the city’s rich history.

“There’s an amazing amount of history here, resources here,” Fippinger said. “And, you know, so we are kind of the eyes and ears for the City of Hartford.”

The air-conditioned carousel building also offered visitors a chance to cool off as temperatures climbed during the holiday celebration.

“We do want to make sure that everybody stays hydrated,” Fippinger said. “And the carousel building is air conditioned. So if people are feeling hot or feeling like they need to get cool, they can come in and take a ride. Plus, when you’re on the ride, it feels amazing.”