State preps as storm could dump up to a foot of snow
After two years with very little snow, Connecticut is expecting up to a foot this weekend from the season’s first storm.
Gov. Ned Lamont, standing in front of state Department of Transportation salt stores and “shiny new snowplows,” said Friday that state police, plow drivers and utility crews are ready for the storm.
“I think this storm has been a long time coming. It’s been over two years since we’ve had a storm of this magnitude,” Lamont said.
“We are ready. The folks standing behind me, they’ve done this before … let them do their job, once the emergency is declared stay off the roads.”
According to the National Weather Service, the storm will move in Saturday afternoon with a mix of snow and rain and strong winds. A winter storm watch is in effect from Saturday at 4 p.m. through Sunday.
Total snow accumulation is projected to be between 6 and 12 inches for the Greater Hartford area, with less on the shoreline. Northern Connecticut is likely to be hit hardest and the heaviest snow is expected north and west of the I-95 corridor, according to Accuweather.
In addition to heavy snow, forecasters are also warning of strong winds with gusts up to 40 mph Saturday afternoon through late Sunday.
The National Weather Service warns that travel will be difficult and that the weight of heavy snow on power lines could cause outages. Many towns have issued parking bans and are urging residents to prepare for the storm.
DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said crews have been out pretreating the roads and 630 plow trucks are ready to respond once the snow falls.
“The equipment is ready to go, crews
are ready to go, everything is fueled up and ready to go,” he said.
“Given the timing of the storm, we’re pretty happy. It will be hitting late Saturday night into Sunday. That gives us plenty of room to do our jobs. The most dangerous thing that can happen is people crowding the snow plows while we’re trying to do our jobs.”
Col. Daniel Loughman of the Connecticut State Police said advised residents to stay home but if they must go out, to bring a charged cellphone, ensure they have plenty of gas, use headlights and turn signals and go slowly “for your safety and the safety of others. For the safety of all emergency personnel … please reduce your speed and move over when you see us assisting other people.”
In the event of an emergency, Loughman said residents should call 911 and state police will assist those who get stuck on the side of the road.
Eucalitto said that state DOT drivers are ready for the storm and will stay until roads are cleared. But due to a driver shortage, the state currently is short 115 plow drivers and about a quarter of its contractors this year.
“It will require a little more patience — that’s why we want people to stay off the roads,” he said. “We
have to give our drivers rest breaks so they’re safe on the roads. The fewer drivers we have, the longer it’s going to take to do our jobs.”
Chris Chaplin, regional director of AMR, which provides ambulance and emergency medical
service in the area, in a press release advised traveling with an emergency kit that includes a shovel, windshield scraper, booster cables, kitty litter, blankets and warm outerwear, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, water and food and a first aid kit.
Best Friends Animal Society reminded pet owners to ensure animals’ safety by keeping them inside and away from chemical ice melts.
“Once the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pets are at risk of developing hypothermia or frostbite.
Dogs and cats’ paws, ears, and tails are the most common areas that pets can develop frostbite – this increases if those areas are wet,” the group said. “Keep both walks and potty breaks short.”
The group also advises pet owners to put short-haired dogs in sweaters or coats to go outside and to wipe their feet when they come back inside to remove salt and ice melt.
What will Saturday look like?
Saturday is expected to be mostly cloudy with a high near 36 degrees and little wind. Snow is likely to begin in the evening between 5 and 9 p.m. with temperatures falling and wind picking up. The National Weather Service expects 3 to 7 inches overnight. If the air warms up a few degrees, some of the precipitation could turn to rain and lessen snow accumulation.
What about Sunday?
A mix of rain and snow will continue to fall through Sunday morning, with a decline in temperatures bringing all snow after noon. Winds around 18 mph are expected and between 1 and 3 inches of new snow. The storm moves out Sunday evening with snow possible until about 8 p.m. Winds will lessen and temperatures will drop into the low 20s.
How does Monday look?
Monday morning will be warmer, with a high of 38 and mild winds. Temperatures will drop into the teens overnight. There’s a chance for more snow Tuesday afternoon but heavy rains will likely wash it away as a new storm passes through Connecticut.