Colder weather pattern to follow storm

Three to six inches of snow expected, likely less on shoreline

While temperatures for the past few months have been relatively mild, a colder pattern is likely to follow a storm that could bring up to 8 inches of snow to parts of Connecticut this weekend, according to meteorologist Gary Lessor.

Lessor, the assistant director of The Weather Center at Western Connecticut State University, said residents could start seeing flurries as soon as midnight, but won’t see heavier snow until this morning.

Lessor said he expects the precipitation to continue through this evening and dump, in general, 3 to 6 inches of snow on the region. Accumulations will be less on the shoreline, where the temperatures are warmer, but those living in Norwich and to the north could see up to 8 inches of the white stuff, Lessor said.

Lessor doesn’t expect the storm to have a lasting impact as temperatures on Sunday are slated to be close to 40 degrees.

Monday night could bring more precipitation to the region, Lessor said, but at this point it’s not clear whether that will come in the form of rain or snow.

From there, temperatures will take a turn for the worse, with highs forecasted in the upper 20s to lower 30s and lows in the teens.

“Once we get by Tuesday, we’re talking mid-wintertime cold for a while,” Lessor said.

At this time of year, he noted, southeastern Connecticut should be seeing mid-40 highs and mid-20 lows.

“Hopefully the pattern changes in January, but from now until then,

be ready for the cold and the snow,” he said.

AAA is warning drivers to be aware of and prepare for changing winter conditions.

Drivers should slow down, avoid following other vehicles too closely, ensure the vehicle’s battery has a good charge, and also should check tire treads and pressure, windshield wiper blades and headlights, tail lights and brake lights.

The agency also is urging people to have a winter emergency kit in each vehicle, including the following items: Snow brush, scraper, de-icer, kitty litter or other abrasive material to throw under tires if they cannot catch tread on ice or snow, a small shovel, warning flares or triangle reflectors, a blanket, a flashlight with fresh batteries, a first aid kit, jumper cables, bottled water, snacks and any necessary medicine.

“All drivers, even those in SUVs and trucks, need to slow down, increase following distance and limit distractions when roads are wet,” Jennifer Shorette, Director of AAA Driving Schools, said in a news release from the agency.

If a vehicle is starting to skid, drivers should look and steer in the direction they want to go, AAA said in the release. Drivers should avoid using cruise control, the agency said, and should make sure cellphones are fully charged before traveling, in case of an emergency.

Snow means the plows will be out. In New London, parking restrictions in effect include not parking on narrow streets, and only parking on the odd side of streets where parking is usually permitted on both sides. Police will ticket and tow improperly parked vehicles.

As of Friday evening, a downtown parking ban was not in effect.

Notices about weather-related delays and closures will be available at www.theday. com.

“All drivers, even those in SUVs and trucks, need to slow down, increase following distance and limit distractions when roads are wet.” JENNIFER SHORETTE, DIRECTOR OF AAA DRIVING SCHOOLS