[Updated 1:15 p.m.] Governor Dannel P. Malloy has ordered all roads in Connecticut closed until further notice, according to a statement released at 5:30 a.m. The traffic ban applies to all vehicles except for emergency response and recovery vehicles with the ability to maneuver in heavy snow.
"It's critical right now that residents stay off the roads, so that our plows can continue their efforts to clear our streets and highways," Malloy said in the statement. "This is a record-setting storm. It's going to take time to dig out of the snow. Stalled or abandoned vehicles will only slow that process. Unless you face an emergency, please stay put."
In South Windsor, the town was hit with about 26 to 30 inches of snow, according to Cary Prague, who has been monitoring the storm.
Chief of Police Matthew Reed said via Twitter that plow operations are being hampered by equipment failures and the "sheer volume of snow."
The National Guard was called, but it cannot help, Reed said.
"Expect hours before passable streets," Reed said.
Reed said that a few drivers became stuck along Rt. 5 overnight. No injuries were reported and DOT was called to assist with the cars that were stuck. Call volume overnight was light, according to Reed.
Reed had one piece of advice for people: "Stay home."
The storm dumped anywhere between 16 and 34 inches of snow on the state, causing about 36,000 power outages for CL&P customers. However, no outages have been reported in South Windsor as of 1:15 p.m.
[Updated 8 p.m.] From the town of South Windsor: At 6:45 p.m. radar and surface observations indicated heavy snow moving into northern Connecticut. CL&P power outages around the state as of 7:45 p.m. have totalled about 13,000. Total snowfall ranges from 1 – 3 inches in Western CT up to 5 – 8 inches across the rest of the state. Tides are currently running 2.5 feet above normal in Western Long Island Sound.
This Evening and Overnight…Blizzard conditions with snowfall rates up to 4 inches per hour and zero visibilities at times in blowing and drifting snow. Lows dropping into the low 20’s statewide with Northeast Winds gusting to 50 MPH inland and up to 70 MPH along the coast. Moderate power outages and moderate coastal flooding expected during the evening high tide. Tides are forecast to run 2 – 4 feet above normal resulting in overland flooding 1 – 3 feet deep in low lying areas of Western Long Island Sound during high tide which is at 9:50 PM in Western Long Island Sound.
Important Phone Numbers:
Connecticut Light & Power to report power outages only:
(800) 286-2000
(860) 947-2000
Emergency police/fire/ambulance services: 911
South Windsor Street Services
(860) 648-6366
Informative Stories:
How Much Snow Has Fallen in South Windsor?
South Windsor Faces the Big Dig
Daily 5 Tips on Storm Preparedness
Travel Advisories:
Connecticut DOT Interactive Travel Map
State Informational Pages:
[Original post] As area residents prepare for a potential blizzard and substantial snow Friday and Saturday, more and more closings and canceled activities are being announced.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy will declare a state of emergency, with roads subject to closure at noon.
South Windsor schools are closed for Friday, and all non-essential town offices, including the Town Hall, Charles N. Enes Community Center, the public library and the treatment plant will close at 12 p.m. Friday.
The emergency operations center has not been opened as of 11:15 a.m., according to Town Manager Matthew Galligan.
The library will also be closed on Saturday, according to Director Mary Etter. She anticipates the library will be open during its regular business hours on Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Pulse Tattoo announced on its Twitter feed that it is closed today and over the weekend.
In addition, several other businesses have announced they will at least close early, including Bank of America and the The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk, which will be closing at 12 p.m. Friday.
According to Evergreen Walk’s Facebook page, some stores and restaurants may decide to remain open longer. Contact stores and restaurants directly for more information.
Stop & Shop will remain open, according to a customer service employee. Geissler’s has not made any decision yet to close early.
- The town has a wintertime overnight parking ban.
- Valero, Exxon, T&M Irving, and V&J Mobil all have gas, though V&J’s supplies are running low. Getty Mart is out of gasoline.
- Bank of America will close at 12 p.m. today.
- The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning and as much snow as 18 to 24 inches Friday into Saturday.
- Blowing and drifting snow could limit visibility and officials have urged residents to stay home during the storm.
- Pete’s CARSTAR and Farmers Insurance will present a refurbished car to a local family in need on Feb. 13, at Pete’s CARSTAR in South Windsor at 1 p.m.. The original presentation was scheduled for Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.
- The Winter Pops! Concert at South Windsor Public Library scheduled for Saturday has been postponed.
See more about the town's preparation and storm tips in this earlier story.
