A Major Winter Storm Hits Connecticut: What to Expect
A powerful winter storm has struck Connecticut on Friday night. It is forecasted to bring as much as a foot of snow by Saturday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for several counties, including Fairfield, New Haven, Litchfield, Hartford, Middlesex, and New London. Meanwhile, Tolland and Windham counties are under a winter weather advisory until Saturday morning.
The Storm’s Impact Across Connecticut
The storm has shifted, leading to higher snow totals across a larger area of Connecticut. The counties under the winter storm warning are expected to receive between 5 and 10 inches of snow, with some areas possibly seeing even more. In contrast, the eastern counties of the state will likely get between 2 and 5 inches of snow.
Heavy Snowfall Expected Tonight
The heaviest snowfall is predicted for this evening, with rates potentially exceeding an inch per hour in some locations. This will likely make travel very difficult.
Community Responses to the Storm
Parking bans have been announced in over twenty towns in Connecticut.
Many local events have been canceled or postponed for Friday and Saturday.
States of Emergency Declared
On Friday afternoon, both New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared states of emergency in response to the snowstorm. New Jersey’s emergency declaration covers the entire state, while New York’s includes about half its counties, including New York City.
Warnings from Officials
Officials have warned that this storm will create hazardous road conditions, especially during the holiday travel period. They strongly advise against traveling during the storm.
Forecast Details: Timing and Accumulation
Snow is expected to start spreading across Connecticut around 5 p.m. and will generally move from west to east. Forecast models indicate that snow will ramp up quickly, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between 7 p.m. and midnight. Snowfall rates could reach 2 inches per hour, causing reduced visibility and slick road conditions.
Expected Snowfall Totals
Central and western Connecticut may see total accumulations of 5 to 10 inches, even extending down to the shoreline areas of Fairfield and New Haven counties. The majority of Connecticut’s population will be affected by this range. If conditions are right, some localized areas could even hit a foot or more of snowfall. However, areas east of the Connecticut River may see lower totals, generally between 2 and 5 inches.
Historical Context
Looking back, during the same period 15 years ago, New York City was hit by a blizzard that brought over 2 feet of snow, with Connecticut receiving up to 18 inches.
Traveling During the Storm
Officials are advising residents to avoid travel on Friday evening. For those who must travel, Governor Ned Lamont suggests leaving early and reaching your destination before sunset. The state’s fleet of snowplows is ready to clear the roads, but fewer vehicles will help them work more efficiently.
Driving Safety Tips
Drive slowly and keep a greater distance from other vehicles.
Equip your car with winter tires.
Prepare an emergency kit with blankets, food, and water.
Include a flashlight and a first aid kit.
Preparation for Power Outages
Eversource, the main electricity provider in Connecticut, is closely monitoring the storm. They do not expect major impacts but are prepared for possible outages. Residents are encouraged to create or update their storm kits and report any downed power lines immediately.
Airport Operations
Connecticut’s major airports are also preparing for the storm. Bradley International Airport and Tweed-New Haven Airport have teams ready to remove snow. Passengers should check flight statuses before heading to the airport, as delays or cancellations are expected.
Flight Delays
As of Friday afternoon, Bradley reported seven flight delays.
Tweed-New Haven had no delays but recommended checking flight statuses.
State Response to the Storm
The Department of Transportation is ensuring all snowplow equipment is ready. They have 650 trucks and over 200 contractors on standby. Crews will be deployed as soon as snowfall begins to keep the roads safe.
Safe Traveling During the Storm
For those who must travel during the storm, it’s crucial to stay alert and leave plenty of space between vehicles, especially snowplows. For updates on travel conditions, residents can visit state resources.
“This storm brings back memories of past blizzards, but we must stay prepared and safe,” said a local official.
