Winter Storm Targets Farmington: What You Need To Know

FARMINGTON, CT — A major winter storm is barreling toward Connecticut Sunday into Monday, with the possibility of a foot or more of snow amid nasty, biting cold.

The National Weather Service on Friday morning said the storm is expected to bring 3 to 7 inches of snow on Sunday, with another 4 to 8 inches of snow on Sunday night into Monday.

The predicted total of 7 to 15 inches of snow, however, could be exceeded, according to some TV forecasters.

Temperatures are also expected to be brutal.

The NWS predicts a high of 22 on Sunday, which will fall into the teens by Sunday night, continuing into Monday, when a high of 24 is expected before another plunge into the single digits on Monday night.

Folks are urged to stay off the roads on Sunday and let the state and local public works staff do their jobs and plow the roads, something that is easier given the timing of the storm.

Farmington reacts

Farmington officials said they are opening up warming centers in response to Gov. Ned Lamont's implementation of severe cold weather protocols.

Those will be in place from Friday, Jan. 23, to Wednesday, Jan. 28.

"A significant snowstorm is expected to impact Farmington Sunday into Monday, with the potential for a foot or more of snow," wrote the Town of Farmington late Friday morning.

"This system will also bring exceptionally frigid temperatures, some of the coldest we’ve seen so far this season, especially overnight."

The town said the Farmington Community & Senior Center, 321 New Britain Ave., will be available as a warming shelter for those in need.

The town also issued a reminder on snow operations and winter weather policies that are available at
https://www.farmington-ct.org/.../highway.../snow-policies

"Please plan ahead, stay warm, and stay safe," wrote the town.

Emergency alerts

Farmington residents were strongly encouraged to sign up for the Everbridge Emergency Alert System.

This will allow them to receive timely texts, calls, or emails about important weather-related updates, including parking bans, road closures, and public safety alerts.

Sign up or update your preferences: bit.ly/FarmingtonEverbridge

For more information, including sign-up information, click on this link.

Parking ban

Meanwhile, Farmington announced a parking ban will be in effect Saturday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. through Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m.

During the parking ban:

• No vehicles may be parked on public streets.

• Do not park in the town building or school parking lots.

• Vehicles left on the roadway may be ticketed or towed to allow crews to safely and efficiently respond to the storm.

Safe shoveling

The regional Farmington Valley Health District, which covers several towns, including Farmington, urged folks to practice safe shoveling after the storm.

For example, the FVHD said snow gets heavy and people should clear snow every few hours as it accumulates, rather than waiting to do it all at once at the end.

Other tips include avoiding overexertion, taking frequent breaks while shoveling, and stopping if one feels chest pains and/or shortness of breath. Folks should call 911 if this happens.

It's always best to push the snow rather than lift it, the FVHD said.

For winter weather safety tips, click on this link.

For the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, click on this link.