Community Corner

UPDATE: Say It Ain't Snow!

Winter weather advisory issued with a forecast of snow coming Tuesday morning.

Update 11:43 p.m., Tuesday:

Connecticut state police issued the following news release at 4:46 p.m. Tuesday about their responses to the recent snowfall:

Connecticut State troopers responded to the following calls during today's storm:

  • 94 accidents
  • 21 with injury
  • 160 motorist assists -- spin outs, no damage, stuck in snowbanks, etc.
  • 1,128 calls for service

"Roads and highways are sliipery in spots and motorists are advised to reduce speed, use caution and remember to clean ice and snow off of the vehicle."


Original article, Monday:

Mother Nature is aiming to throw a snowy monkey wrench on Tuesday as some students and their families get ready to return to school from mid-winter breaks and the Presidents Day holiday weekend. For others, it means another chance to romp in the snow in municipalities where schools are marking mid-winter recess this week.

Regardless of the school schedules, one thing's certain — it'll snow, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS has issued a 12-hour winter weather advisory that goes into effect at 6 a.m. Feb. 18 and lasts through 6 p.m. for Fairfield, Middlesex and New London counties. In the Hartford area, the advisory is effective from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., while in Litchfield County it's effective from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Snow is expected to begin between 3 and 4 a.m. Feb. 18, with the heaviest snow falling during the morning commute. Between two and four inches are expected, although snow totals could be three to five inches in some areas, according to the weather service.

Snow should dissipate during the early afternoon and possibly change to rain in the coastal counties later in the afternoon. It should all clear out by Tuesday night.

The heavy, wet snow may cause weak, flat roof structures to collapse and tree branches to snap. 

Temperatures are expected moderate on Wednesday and snow will probably change to rain.

In the meantime, the Department of Motor Vehicles is canceling for Tuesday, Feb. 18, all road tests until 1 p.m. The cancellation is due to poor and slippery driving conditions from expected snow. Anyone with a scheduled road test before 1 p.m. can call DMV to choose a new date. The numbers to call are 860-263-5700 if someone is within the Hartford area and toll-free 800-842-8222 for those outside the Hartford area. DMV will also attempting to contact customers with road test appointments to advise them of the schedule change.

Drivers of commercial and passenger vehicles are reminded about the requirement to remove snow and ice from hoods, trunks and roofs or face fines ranging from $75 to $1,250. Operators of commercial vehicles and passenger cars and trucks who drive a vehicle with accumulated snow and ice can be fined $75. However, the law calls for stiffer penalties when there’s personal or property damage from the flying elements.

In those instances the driver of a commercial vehicle faces a fine up to $1,250 and a passenger car or small truck driver can be fined up to $1,000. Drivers are exempt from the fines when the snow, sleet and freezing rain begins or continues while the vehicle is traveling. Parked vehicles are also exempt from the required removal of ice and snow.


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