Gov. Ned Lamont urged Connecticut residents to use caution because of the blizzard conditions that started on Sunday, Feb. 22 and continued throughout Monday, Feb. 23.
According to Connecticut’s Official State Website, “the forecast changed very quickly over the last 24 hours, and now it appears that we have a significant storm heading in our direction that is likely to bring blizzard conditions.”
“In addition to high rates of snowfall, the particular concern with this storm are the very strong wind gusts, which will make travel extremely dangerous and will cause visibility to be very low,” Lamont said. “I am urging everyone to plan ahead and stay off the roads on Sunday night and through at least Monday morning. We are monitoring the forecast as it evolves, and I advise everyone to stay alert for updates throughout the weekend.”
The website also stated that, in anticipation of the storm, Lamont directed a partial in-person activation of the Connecticut Emergency Operations Center (EOC) starting at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday to track conditions and respond promptly to any emerging needs.
According to the website, “located in Hartford, the EOC is the state’s central emergency management hub, where state leaders, agencies and partners coordinate information, resources and strategies to manage emergency situations. Additionally, the state’s five regional emergency management offices will also become partially activated on Sunday in locations across the state.”
Under the state’s emergency management plan, a partial activation means that representatives from several key state agencies responsible for handling emergencies will work together continuously throughout the storm. If necessary, a full activation would involve additional state agencies joining the response efforts. Those agencies are currently on standby and ready to provide support as needed, the website went on to say.
During Lamont’s press conference on Sunday afternoon, he opened with advice to stay off the roads. Furthermore, Lamont said the state has 800 snowplows ready to begin clearing snow off the roads. He reminded residents not to touch downed wires if one comes into contact with them.
According to WTNH, “Garrett Eucalitto, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT), said 900 workers are being called in beginning Sunday afternoon and about 100 contractors are also ready to help.”
Eucalitto stated that the storm would be different from the one Connecticut has seen in late January due to expected wet, heavy snowfall instead of light, fluffy snow.