 Hurricane Carol struck Connecticut shortly after high tide , and its combination with 10 to 15 feet ( 3 to 4 @.@ 5 m ) storm surges from New London eastward produced widespread tidal flooding . About 2 @,@ 000 people were stranded when a rail line between New Haven and Rhode Island was flooded . The heaviest rainfall associated with the passage of the storm occurred in New London , where up to 6 inches ( 150 mm ) fell and wind blew off a portion of the city hall roof . These strong winds left much of the eastern portion of the state without power . Near the coast , the combination of strong winds and the storm surge damaged or destroyed thousands of buildings , including 100 destroyed houses . Many other homes in Eastern Connecticut were damaged by falling trees . Thousands had evacuated before the storm reached the area , and one person died in the state . Due to the compact nature of the storm , western Connecticut experienced little effects from Carol . Overall damage in the state was estimated at $ 50 million . 
