Winter Storm Benjamin unleashed over a foot of snowfall throughout Connecticut on Sunday, bringing damaging snow and ice impacts across the country, making its mark as one of the most significant storms in years.
The system produced a widespread 12 to 20 inches of snow, with some higher amounts mixed in throughout New England. Trained spotters reported over 19 inches in Ellington, 18 inches in Coventry and 15 inches in Storrs-Mansfield, with other Connecticut towns receiving up to 22 inches according to the latest National Weather Service data.
The storm dumped heavy snow across dozens of states, with major cities from Boston to Indianapolis seeing some of their highest accumulations in years, while a crippling ice storm in the South brought down tree limbs and power lines, leaving well over one million customers without electricity amid dangerously low temperatures.
Model predictions indicated the storm, which originated off the Pacific coast, would bring ice and sleet to a number of regions which do not frequently experience extreme winter weather. A large band of alerts and advisories were issued, stretching from New Mexico and Texas to the Deep South and the Northeast.
“One of the things we look for are trends in the models,” explained Tyler Hughes, a meteorologist for WFSB Channel 3 in Hartford. “[Forecasting snow is] almost like a game of ‘Plinko’ from ‘The Price is Right’…When you start off, models have plenty of different [outcomes], but as we get closer to the event, we can…really hone in on the forecast.”
Regional officials urged everyone to stay home and avoid traveling. Numerous municipalities statewide announced parking bans and many schools, including the University of Connecticut, cancelled classes in preparation for the snowfall. On Friday, Gov. Ned Lamont issued a state of emergency for Connecticut and instituted a commercial vehicle travel ban.
“This storm is going to significantly impair the ability to safely drive, and we want to get the word out that it will be extremely dangerous to be on the roads,” Lamont said. “Do not risk your life and the lives of others.”
As a result of the dangerous conditions, flights were cancelled at airports nationally, as well as great amounts of suspended and delayed service for regional transportation providers. Metro-North Railroad and CT Rail severely reduced service levels for the extent of the storm while Amtrak cancelled many of their long-distance routes, affecting thousands of passengers.
“When snow makes other modes of travel tough, Amtrak works around-the-clock to monitor snowfall events and keep the trains running. However, in times of upcoming extreme winter weather events, Amtrak will proactively cancel trains for the safety and convenience of passengers,” the agency states on its webpage.
Hundreds of state crews and independent contractors were also mobilized in advance of Benjamin, with many working to clear roadways in the midst and aftermath of heavy snowfall in the order of an inch per hour.
Even a UConn women’s basketball contest against Big East foe Seton Hall, originally scheduled for the storm-riddled Sunday, was played a day early thanks to the storm.
Support from the federal government was also crucial to facilitate efforts by local governments nationwide.
“To ensure no stone has been unturned in our winter storm preparations, today I submitted a request to President Trump for a federal emergency disaster declaration for Georgia counties expecting heavy impact,” Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia said. “President Trump quickly approved that request, and I want to thank him and his team for their partnership as we work to keep Georgians safe.”
While Benjamin’s wrath may be largely over, the UConn Office of University Safety urges students and staff to remain vigilant when planning to work and travel with frigid temperatures and slick conditions.
“Always consider your safety first. Weather and road conditions may vary considerably across the state, so all members of the University community must evaluate the circumstances they face,” their webpage reads.
UConn has historically cancelled classes when a significantly plowable amount of snow or dangerously slick ice conditions are forecast and expected to cause delays in road crew and cleanup operations.
To stay updated with Connecticut weather, visit the National Weather Service’s webpages for their New York and Boston stations, in addition to the forecasts provided by local radio and television stations.