OXFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Three large trees came down on a Punkrup Road home in Oxford during Wednesday’s storm, leaving the homeowner facing a full rebuild just as a nearby business finished its own recovery from flooding two years ago.
Tom Wargo said he was inside when he heard the trees fall.
“I heard a bunch of crackling, looked out the window and saw three trees coming toward the house,” Wargo said.
Wargo and his family got out safely before the trees landed on the structure.
“All three of the roofs are going to have to be rebuilt. It’s going to be a long process,” Wargo said.
Oxford no stranger to storm damage
The storm hit a town still familiar with weather-related destruction. Two years ago, devastating floods swept through Oxford, tearing up Route 67 and damaging businesses along the Little River.
Among those businesses was the Old Sawmill Mini Golf course on Oxford Road, which only recently reopened after nearly two years of cleanup and rebuilding.
“It took our old mini-golf shack, brought it down the river and tore up most of holes 1 through 9,” said Joslynn Turcott, whose family owns the course.
Turcott said the community response to the reopening has been positive.
“It’s been great, such a warm welcome from the community,” Turcott said.
The course stayed dry Wednesday, but Turcott said rain in the forecast still brings anxiety.
“As you can see, it’s raging water. It does get close to the top of the bridge. Let’s hope it never goes over the bridge again,” Turcott said.
Naugatuck River rises in Seymour
In nearby Seymour, the Naugatuck River rose significantly during the storm. A resident who went to check on the river described the change.
“We were down here the other day. You could see the steps, but right now, you can’t. They’re covered by a lot of rainfall,” said Becca, a Seymour resident.
Back in Oxford, Wargo said he is focused on moving forward.
“My wife has told me that for years: anger doesn’t get you anywhere, so I try to smile and get on as best as we can,” Wargo said.
Wargo said his family has a place to stay while repairs are made. The Old Sawmill Mini Golf course is expected to reopen Thursday.