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

GUILFORD, CT — Guilford 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.

Parking Ban Issued In Guilford

The Guilford Police Department has issued a parking ban ahead of a weekend snowstorm.

A parking ban on town and state roads in Guilford will last from 1 a.m. Sunday to 12 p.m. Tuesday, according to police. Snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles are not authorized on Guilford roads.

"Stay off the roads during this storm as you put yourselves and others in danger," Guilford police said in a social media post.

"If you are required to be out… whether you are emergency responders, health professionals, tow truck drivers, gas station employees…. Please dress for the weather, keep emergency kits in your vehicles, wear your seatbelts, keep lights on, keep heavy snow off vehicles, have a fully charged phone, and some type of flare or lights to keep your vehicle visible in the case of an accident."

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.

As of Friday afternoon, Guilford Public Schools had not announced any closures or delays for Monday.

The Board of Selectman is scheduled to hold a budget workshop meeting on Monday at 8:30 a.m.

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

Winter Storm Preparedness Tips

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 Guilford Police Department non-emergency number is 203-453-8061.

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