Major Winter Storm Targets Darien: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare

DARIEN, CT — Darien is bracing for a major winter storm that's expected to bring heavy snow to the region beginning on Sunday and stretching into Monday.

Southern Connecticut is expected to get between 8 and 14 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Sleet may mix in with the snow in southern areas of the state, reducing the total accumulation, the National Weather Service said. Coastal Connecticut is expected to get the lower end of the range.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for southern Connecticut from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon.

Darien Overnight Parking Ban Reminder

Residents should avoid on-street parking for the duration of the storm.

Overnight street parking is banned from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. to allow for safe and efficient snow and ice removal. The parking ban is in effect from December 1 through March 1. Violations may result in a $99 fine

"Please make every effort to stay home and off the roads on Sunday," an announcement from the town said Friday. "Temperatures will be too cold for salt to work properly and packed snow on roads essentially becomes ice. Plowing ice is damaging to the plows and the roads."

The Darien Department of Public Works expects to make multiple plow passes, and shoveling should be planned with that in mind, the town said.

"All DPW resources are currently focused on storm preparation. All other issues, including Christmas Tree pickup, are not a priority at this time," the town added.

Additionally, residents are being reminded that they're responsible for clearing the snow from their sidewalks within 24 hours of the storm ending.

Cancellations & Postponements

Residents are encouraged to check with organizers on the status of in-person events scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26, as they are almost certain to be postponed or cancelled.

Darien Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne said that based on the certainty of the forecast, a closing or delay announcement could occur the evening before the storm event.

"Additional emergency weather information, including school arrival/dismissal times and official weather-related decisions, will be posted directly to our website," he said Friday afternoon.

The Blue Wave Booster Club event at Darien High School featuring the Harlem Wizards has been postponed from Jan. 25 to March 1. Tickets are still available here.

The Darien Library announced it will be closed on Sunday due to the storm, and the weather may impact operating hours and programming on Monday. Residents can check the library's website or call 203-655-1234 to check weather-related closures or cancellations.

Are you an organizer of an event scheduled this weekend? Email richard.kaufman@patch.com with cancellation info.

Winter Storm Preparedness

Residents should make sure they have extra prescription medications in case travel is difficult for several days.

Stocking up on food, water and essential household supplies and preparing warm clothing and blankets is important, especially if there could be power outages.

Additionally, make sure to have batteries, backup chargers and a battery-powered radio.

Check on neighbors, seniors and those who may need assistance before, during and after the storm.

Safety Tips For The Storm

Residents should avoid all downed utility wires and assume they are live.

Be mindful of the signs of frostbite or hypothermia if exposed to the cold for too long, and take breaks while shoveling to prevent overexertion.

When using portable generators, never use indoors (even if garage doors are open) or in enclosed spaces. Exhausts from these units contain carbon monoxide (CO).

Also, do not supply generator power to your home’s main line. Do not use gas stoves or charcoal grills for heat. They can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Stamford Police Department non-emergency number is 203-977-4444. Residents should dial 911 in case of an emergency.

More information on keeping safe during winter storms can be found here.