Snow day for students and seals
NORWALK — In the first substantial snowfall of the year, about a half-foot of snow blanketed the area by midday Tuesday after an overnight storm slammed Connecticut.
The first flakes began to fall late Monday evening and the storm intensified overnight.
By Tuesday morning, it was a winter wonderland in Norwalk, with 6.1 inches of snow recorded by 7 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
In Wilton and New Canaan, a total of 7 inches of snow was recorded by 8 a.m., with 6.4 inches in Weston, the NWS reported. The total snowfall was a bit lighter along the coast, with 5 inches recorded in Rowayton and about 4 inches recorded in Westport.
The season’s first measurable snowstorm for most of Connecticut caused slick road conditions and closed schools and state office buildings on Tuesday. The storm generated about 4 to 7 inches of snow before winding down, although some flurries continued throughout Tuesday.
The state Department of Transportation asked motorists to delay traveling to allow crews to clear Connecticut’s roads and highways.
“The fewer the cars on the road is better for us when we’re out there scraping the pavement,” said Josh Morgan, a spokesperson for the DOT.
In Norwalk, the police department did not report any closed roads, but City Hall delayed opening until 10 a.m. Garbage and recycling collection was proceeding as planned with slight delays, according to the city.
With Norwalk schools closed due to the snow on Tuesday, Superintendent Alexandra Estrella said in a video address that students should “kick back, relax and enjoy the snow.”
The video then switched to a recorded performance of a rock group led by Ralph Valenzisi, the assistant superintendent of digital learning and innovation.
The basement band broke out in song, playing an upbeat cover of “Good Times” by Chic.
And like the city’s students and teachers, the seals at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk also got to enjoy a snow day.