48-Hour Power Outages Possible in Connecticut: Malloy

Gov. Dannel Malloy warned state residents that those who lose power during the blizzard could have to wait 24 to 48 hours for lines to be repaired.

The state government has been in close communication with Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating Co. officials. Both utilities’ have assured customers that they are prepared for a “Level 1” event, which would entail CL&P contending with up to about 100,000 outages and UI with 10,000.

Snowfall predictions around the state have been upgraded to between 20-30 inches before the blizzard ends late Tuesday or early Wednesday. There is a period when snow could potentially fall as fast as five inches per hour for up to two hours. Malloy warned people that they should follow the statewide traffic ban, which takes effect at 9 p.m.

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“If you are on a highway when 5 inches is coming down… there is a good chance you are getting stuck,” he said.

The last train leaving Grand Central Station on the New Haven line departs at 9 p.m. Malloy said as of 5 p.m. he didn’t know whether Metro North would have service tomorrow morning, but said it is highly unlikely.

Bradley International Airport will close to normal air traffic at 7 p.m., but will remain open for emergency air traffic.

All non-essential first and second shift state workers should not report to work Tuesday.

Snow drifts may pile up to more than four feet in some parts of the state. The southeastern part of the state is expected to get hit the hardest.

“I encourage all Connecticut residents … to begin to find a place to weather the storm as its approaching.”

The storm has the potential to bring coastal flooding and 60 mile per hour winds.

The state Department of Transportation has more than 600 trucks ready to go and the department will work around the clock to clear state roads. It will also render assistance to municipalities when possible.

About 400 National Guardsmen have been deployed to assist with emergency operations.

Photo courtesy of Meriden Patch reader