Branford Prepares For Major Winter Storm: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare

BRANFORD, CT — Get ready, Branford for what's expected to be a major storm beginning early Sunday.

The town has issued several storm-related community messages throughout the day.

Residents are advised of the following:

• Pay attention to local weather forecasts on local radio/tv stations.
• Drivers are advised to stay off the roads unless their travel is necessary.
• Residents should avoid parking in the roadway especially on one-way streets and in cul-de-sacs. The Town’s ordinance prohibits parking on the even side of the roadway during and for 24 hours after the snowfall. However, due to the potential impact of this major storm, we request that all vehicles are removed from the roadway.
• Prepare for possible power outages, make sure cell phones and other electronic devices are charged.
• Power outages should be reported directly to Eversource at 800-592-2000.
• Use 911 to report emergencies only, do not call 911 to report utility outages.
• Be sure to clear snow from the area where furnaces, hot water heaters, clothes dryers and other appliances vent outside the building. Should your Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm activate please evacuate the building and call 911.
• It is the responsibility of the owner, tenant, occupant or any person having the care of any land or building adjoining any sidewalk to clear the sidewalk of all ice and snow following the storm.
• It is also a violation of town ordinance to deposit snow from private driveways into the roadway and homeowners are responsible for violations committed by their private plowing contractors.
• We also ask and encourage, residents that live near hydrants to please take some time to clear snow away from hydrants to ensure that the hydrant is both visible and has a useable work space around it.
• Road salt/sand mix is available for residents at the Transfer Station located at 747 East Main Street on Saturday, January 24, 2026 between 7:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (bring your own buckets - limit (2) 5gallons buckets.
• Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026.
• There will be no Curbside Collection of Garbage and Recycling on Monday, January 26, 2026.Therefore, all collections next week will be delayed one day.

Updates to this message will follow as necessary. For additional information visit the Town’swebsite at https://www.branford-ct.gov/

Given the town's Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the storm closely, officials said, residents are reminded to make preparations now.

Those suggested by the town include:

Home
Seal windows and doors
Clear gutters of leaves and debris to prevent flooding or ice dams
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working
Check heating fuel levels
Insulate pipes that are exposed
Charge cell phones and have extra batteries
Vehicles
Make sure gas tanks are full
Check antifreeze levels
Have a Windshield scrapper/brush
Have jumper cables
Have a car emergency kit, including: flashlight, water, snacks, extra hat, socks, gloves, blanket,
first aid kit, rock salt, flares and shovel
Supplies
Non-perishable food
Any medications
Baby supplies
Flashlights/Batteries
Portable radio
Fire extinguisher
Rock salt/sand/kitty litter
Snow shovel or snow removal equipment

Parking ban issued by town, police

Residents are encouraged to remove all vehicles from roadways, as parked vehicles significantly impede snow removal efforts and emergency vehicle access. Avoiding parking in the roadway substantially assists emergency services and the Town’s Public Works Department by allowing snowplows and emergency vehicles to safely and efficiently access streets—especially narrow roadways.

Read more here.

Safety tips from Branford police

• With this Winter Storm coming, here are some safety tips from NHTSA. Please stay home unless you MUST travel.
• For power outages, report to utility. https://www.eversource.com/residential/outages
• Do not go near downed power lines, poles or damaged electrical equipment. Leave the area if you smell gas.
• As always, please call OR TEXT to 911 for emergencies. 203-481-4241 for non-emergencies.

Winter storm do's and don't's:

Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power
Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
Set the fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.
Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
Have at least one flashlight and batteries.
Do not drive unless absolutely necessary. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
Report outages to utility companies.

Warming centers now include the Soundview Family YMCA.

• Joe Trapasso Community House located at 46 Church Street. (203) 488-8302 Friday through Saturday (January 23-24) from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. *Sunday (January 25) from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. *Monday through Wednesday (January 26-28) from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• James Blackstone Memorial Library located at 758 Main Street (203) 488-1441 Friday and Saturday (January 23-24) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. *Sunday (January 25) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. *Monday through Wednesday (January 26-28) from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library located at 146 Thimble Island Rd (203) 488-8702 Friday and Saturday (January 23-24) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. *Sunday (January 25) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. *Monday through Wednesday (January 26-28) from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Soundview Family YMCA located at 628 East Main Street (203) 481-9622 Friday through Wednesday (January 23- 28) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Due to the impact of a major snowstorm Sunday into Monday and potential impact to staffing, please call the facility prior to arrival.

Cancellations/closings

Check back for updates.

Trash, Recycling Pickup Delays

With snow approaching, curbside trash and recycling collection will NOT take place on Monday, January 26th, to allow room for plows to operate.
Curbside trash and recycling collection will resume Tuesday, January 27th, operating on a one-day delay for the remainder of the week.
Sand/Salt: Sand/salt is available to Branford residents at the Transfer Station during business hours. Business hours are Monday through Friday 7:15 AM - 1:30 PM and Saturdays 7:15 AM - 2:30 PM. Please let the attendants at the gate know that you are there to collect sand/salt. Residents are limited to no more than two 5-gallon buckets

Keeping pets safe in the snow and cold

The Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter shared helpful information on caring for pets, and how to report an animal outdoors "suffering."

Forecast as of Friday for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. West wind 6 to 14 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 6. Wind chill values between -5 and zero. Northwest wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 18. Wind chill values between -10 and zero. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
Sunday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 25. Northeast wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.
Sunday Night: Snow. Steady temperature around 22. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Monday: Snow. High near 27. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 9.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 22.

Watch Gov. Ned Lamont and myriad state officials include law enforcement, public works, and transportation, share updates on the approaching storm.