Winter Storm Targets Ellington, Somers: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare

ELLINGTON/SOMERS, CT — Public works crews in both towns say they are fully staffed and prepared as a major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow from Sunday into Monday, with hazardous travel and plowable accumulations likely across interior Connecticut.

Preparedness And Local Operations

In Ellington, Director of Public Works and WPCA Administrator Tom Modzelewski said in an email that the town has coordinated ahead of the storm with local emergency responders, including the Crystal Lake and Center fire chiefs and the resident state trooper. Officials said that coordination will continue throughout the event as conditions change.

Ellington officials said all snow-removal equipment has been inspected and staged. The fleet includes 12 six-wheel dump trucks with plows and sanders, including 10 frontline units and two spares, along with 10 medium and light-duty trucks with plows, three of which have sanders. The town also has three bucket loaders with power angle plows, a backhoe, a motor grader, two Steiner sidewalk machines, and four snowblowers. Crews are fully staffed, with personnel reporting by noon Sunday and remaining on duty through Monday, or longer if needed. A snow-removal subcontractor has been notified and is prepared to assist if requested.

In Somers, Director of Land Use and Public Works and Tree Warden Todd Rolland said crews are ready for a prolonged event. Somers has about 350 tons of salt on hand, which Rolland said is sufficient for a multi-day storm. At peak operations, the town expects 12 plow trucks on the road with 12 drivers assigned. Supervisors and crews will monitor conditions and adjust operations to keep roads passable.

Ellington officials said all trash collection for the week will run on a one-day delay.

Guidance For Residents

Somers officials said a townwide parking ban will be in effect from noon Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday to allow plows to clear roadways curb to curb.

Rolland said one of the most common misconceptions during major storms is that plows intentionally bury driveways. He said plows must clear the full width of the roadway and snow comes off the blade evenly along the street.

Officials in both towns said the single most important thing residents can do to help operations is to stay home and off the roads during the storm. In Somers, residents are asked to report true hazards such as downed trees or impassable roads by calling 911, which officials said is the preferred method for urgent storm-related issues.

National Weather Service Forecast

The National Weather Service says the storm could bring heavy snow to interior Connecticut, with Ellington and Somers expected to see roughly 8 to 15 inches. A winter storm watch is in effect from early Sunday through Monday afternoon. Snowfall rates could exceed one inch per hour at times Sunday night, with difficult travel and reduced visibility.

Local TV Forecast And Timing

Meteorologists at WFSB say snow develops late Sunday morning, becomes heavy Sunday night, and tapers Monday, with inland totals generally around 10 to 15 inches.

Forecasters at WTNH expect snow to begin around 8 a.m. Sunday and continue into Monday morning, with 8 to 14 inches possible inland.

NBC Connecticut is forecasting widespread heavy snow inland, with many areas approaching a foot or more depending on banding.

At FOX61, meteorologists are calling for a high-impact storm with the worst conditions Sunday night and inland totals generally in the 10- to 15-inch range.

Budget Impact From A Busy Winter Season

Modzelewski said the storm will further strain Ellington’s DPW overtime budget, with about $105,000 remaining and most of this event expected to occur during overtime hours. The finance department has been notified of a likely overage.

Ellington has already responded to 15 documented winter storms this season, exceeding the five-year average of 11. With several weeks of winter still ahead, officials said continued storm activity is expected to keep pressure on budgets, equipment, and staffing in both towns.