Winter Storm Targets Bridgeport: Latest Forecast, Parking Ban, Cancellations, How To Prepare

BRIDGEPORT, CT — With a major winter storm expected to sweep through the region, Bridgeport and other Connecticut communities are taking precautions to keep roads clear and residents safe.

Gov. Ned Lamont has already activated Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, and Mayor Joe Ganim declared a snow emergency (see below). Earlier this week, he activated cold weather protocol.

Southern Connecticut is expected to get between eight and 14 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible, according to the National Weather Service. Sleet may mix in with the snow in southern areas of the state, reducing the total accumulation, and coastal Connecticut may end up getting the lower end of the range.

Connecticut officials are urging residents to stay off the roads during the storm.

"This is the first time Connecticut has had a storm like this one in a decade," said Brenda Bergeron, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "Right now, it does not look like it will be a large power outage event, but it is good to be prepared."

As of early Friday afternoon, Bridgeport Public Schools had not yet announced a decision on whether to cancel school on Monday, but it may do so before Monday morning.

The city's Emergency Management Department offers the following the tips during cold weather events:

• Stay indoors as much as possible to keep warm.
• Dress in layers to trap heat and stay dry.
• Know about wind chill: Wind can make it feel much colder than it is.
• Avoid heavy exercise outside, as cold weather can strain your heart.
• If you need to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and take breaks to stay safe.
• Watch out for ice on sidewalks and steps to prevent falls.
• Keep your home warm by sealing drafts and using space heaters safely.
• Stay informed about weather conditions and any advisories.

Below is the snow emergency declared by Mayor Ganim:

In anticipation of the pending snowfall due to impact, Mayor Ganim is declaring a snow emergency for the city to take effect at 6:00 AM Saturday, January 24th to 11:59 PM Monday, January 26th. A cold weather protocol will also be in effect from 12:00 PM Friday, January 23rd to 12:00 PM Wednesday, January 28th. During a snow emergency, residents must move their cars off posted snow emergency streets and heed alternate side of street parking on all other streets. Snow emergency streets are marked with white signs with red lettering. A list of snow streets can be found on the City’s website bridgeportct.gov/snow

Forecast
The City of Bridgeport anticipates snow will begin Sunday morning into Monday evening. The storm predicted to bring approximately 12-18” of heavy snow, with icy conditions that could occur. Temperatures over the weekend are expected to fall into single digits with potential heavy snow during Sunday afternoon. For more information, visit bridgeportct.gov/snow

Emergency Operation Plan is in effect with enforcement of No Parking on Snow Emergency streets to ensure that plows and public safety crews can clear the streets. On all other non-emergency streets, residents must heed alternate side of the street parking: January 24th is an EVEN number day; therefore, residents should park on the side of the street with addresses that are EVEN numbers. After the snow emergency operation plan goes into effect at 4:00 PM on January 24, 2026, vehicles that are not following parking restrictions will be subject to fines and towing. The easiest way to tell the ODD- or EVEN- numbered side of a street is to check the street address of buildings. If the address ends in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) then that building is on the ODD side of the street. If the address ends in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) then that building is on the EVEN side of the street.

Snow Emergency Parking Lots – In the event that parking is not available for residents on non-emergency streets, Snow Emergency Parking Lots will be open to the public for parking which include all school parking lots in their district and the Health Department parking lot at 752 East Main Street.

Parking in the school and City parking lots listed will be permitted and must be removed by Monday, January 26, at 11:59pm.

• Geraldine Johnson School
• Jettie S. Tisdale School
• Hall School
• Central High School
• Black Rock School
• Old Bassick High School
• Bridgeport City Hall Visitor Lot – 45 Lyon Terrace
• Fairfield Ave & Jetland Street Municipal lot
• North Branch Library
• Nichols Street and East Main Street lot
• Park and Railroad Ave under viaduct or underpass

Vehicles Towed for Public Safety Enforcement – Owners of vehicles that do not comply with the parking ban on emergency streets or alternate side of street parking will have their vehicle towed and incur a minimum $130 towing fee.

Sidewalks/ Driveways - Commercial and/or residential owners who push snow into the streets or do not clear snow on the sidewalks in front of their buildings are subject to a $100.00 fine per ordinance for each incident.

Adopt a Hydrant – Residents are encouraged to clear snow and make a path to a fire hydrant in their neighborhood to assist the Bridgeport Fire Department in case of fire or another emergency. Residents should shovel at least 3 feet around the hydrant, if possible.

Plowing – Bridgeport Streets within the City are prioritized to clear major travel routes first. This
allows public safety vehicles access to most parts of the City. The initial plowing activities also provide most residents a clearing within two to three blocks of their homes and most destinations in the City. Other factors include locations of schools, hospitals, major commercial centers, and other facilities with large public interest. For snow plowing issues, call 203-579-3800.Any plowing issues or concerns can be reported using the mobile application Bridgeport 311.

Operation Care – To help protect the homeless population from unsafe temperatures, please call 2-1-1. The homeless Outreach Team has begun contacting the homeless population to connect them to shelters such as Prospect House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and Alpha Community. For any homeless issues, you can show up at 650 Park Avenue for assistance.

Public Facilities
Transfer Station will be closed on January 24th
Parks will be closed from January 24th-27th
Recycling is cancelled from January 26th-January 30th
For those whose normal weekly sanitation pickup is on a Monday or Tuesday, your pickup will occur on Wednesday, January 28th.

For those whose normal weekly sanitation pickup is on a Wednesday or Thursday, your pickup
will occur on Thursday, January 29th.

Fire Department Safety Message – The Bridgeport Fire Department is encouraging all residents to refrain from using stoves or ovens as a primary heat source due to the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, burns and worsening indoor quality with pollutants. Residents should always run portable generators outdoors, far from doorways, windows, and vents, to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Residents should always follow manufacturers’ instructions for generator usage.

Residents may utilize the below checklist as a guide to safety during cold weather:
• Check heating devices.
• Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home due to potential gas, carbon monoxide, and fire hazards.
• If using a generator, please follow manufacturing instructions given with packaging and do not use indoors.
• Ensure that pets are brought inside.
• Watch for ice on pipes and ground cover.
• Bundle up if you must go outside.
• Check on elderly neighbors and family members during colder temperatures.

Warming Centers
Senior Centers (Open only weekdays):
• Black Rock Senior Center – 2676 Fairfield Avenue, (9:00am-3:00pm)
• East Side Senior Center – 268 Putnam Street, (9:00am-3:00pm)
• Eisenhower Senior Center – 307 Golden Hill Street, (9:00am-3:00pm)

GBT Station
• 710 Water Street, Mon- Fri (9am-9pm)
Bridgeport Public Library Branches:

• Main Branch – 925 Broad Street, Mon & Tues (10:00am-6:00pm), Wed (10:00pm-
8:00pm), Thurs (12:00pm-8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).

• Black Rock Branch – 2705 Fairfield Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am-6:00pm), Tues
(10:00am-8:00pm), Thurs (12:00am-8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday
(Closed).
• Newfield Branch – 755 Central Avenue, Mon & Tues (10:00am-6:00pm), Wed & Thurs
(10:00am- 7:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).

• North Branch – 3455 Madison Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am-6:00pm), Tues (12:00pm-
8:00pm), Thurs (10:00am- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).

• Beardsley Branch – 2536 East Main Street, Mon (10:00am-6:00pm), Tues (12:00pm-
8:00pm) Wed & Thurs (10:00am-8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).

• East Side Branch – Temporarily closed for renovations
South End Community Center- Overnight Stay/Case Worker Support
• 650 Park Ave– Open 24/7
• Limited overnight capacity

Snow Related Emergencies
During the storm, residents may call the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center hotline at 203-579-3800 with any snow-related emergencies or email pictures to wsfeb8-92025@room.veoci.com

If residents suffer a loss of electricity call the United Illuminating customer hotline at 800-722-5584. Both numbers are for 24-hour emergency service. Immediate danger to life and health issues call 9-1-1.

For the latest updates and information about the snowstorm, residents are asked to check Bridgeportct.gov/snow, local media and follow the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center on X and Facebook.