Winter Storm Targeting Mansfield, What Residents Need To Know About Timing, Parking, Staying Warm

MANSFIELD, CT — Mansfield is bracing for a blast of winter weather in the form a strong system that is expected to bring a significant snowfall and bitter cold to Tolland County from Saturday through Monday, the National Weather Service forecast shows.

After a frigid Saturday with highs in the low teens under sunny skies, bitter wind chills and dangerously cold conditions will continue ahead of an incoming storm, According to the NWS. Snow is likely to begin late Sunday morning, with precipitation increasing in intensity through the afternoon and evening, according to the NWS.

The fun will start Sunday after 8 a.m., according to the forecast.

NWS forecasters said Friday morning that moderate to heavy snow is expected Sunday into Monday, with total snow accumulations of about 4 to 8 inches possible in the county — including a possible 3 to 7 inches Sunday and an additional 4 to 8 inches Sunday night into Monday.

Monday will remain cold with continued chances of snow, tapering off late in the day or Monday night, according to the NWS.

Temperatures through the weekend and into early next week will stay well below normal, with highs near the low 20s and lows in the single digits, according to the NWS. Wind gusts Saturday and Sunday could add to the harsh conditions, according to the NWS

Local officials and meteorologists have warned that travel could be hazardous and disruptions likely, as the storm combines cold air with significant snowfall. Updates are expected as the system approaches.

One of the first thoughts on the minds of residents is, "Will schools be closed?" Here is a typical scenario on the decision-making process from one north central Connecticut superintendent:

"The district administration understands that our decision to open or close schools due to inclement weather has an impact on families. We also understand that our students are better served — both academically and socially — by being in school. However, as always, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff," the superintendent said.

The decision to open or close schools during inclement weather or hazardous conditions, he said, is based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, such as:

Information on road conditions from the local department of public works,
that and local police and a town's respective school bus transportation company.

"We give careful consideration to the most dangerous roads in the district," the superintendent said. "Even if a street looks clear, travel elsewhere in the district may be dangerous, especially in the higher elevation areas of a town. Also, we consider that many high school students drive to school."

Superintendents prefer not making a decision based solely on weather predictions, which are not always 100 perecent accurate.

"But sometimes this is unavoidable. The amount of snow and ice accumulated and forecasted is a major factor in the decision to close school. Temperature and wind chill factors are important as
students wait outside for the bus or walk to school," he said.

Building and grounds conditions need to be "a safe, healthy, and secure environment for
all students and staff," he said.

School systems often work together, often sharing information on conference calls before a decision is made, the superintendent said.

As far as the University of Connecticut goes, a decision on Monday classes will be made in con junction with the impact of the storm, officials said.

In anticipation of the storm, Mansfield officials have released parking information:

Here's an officils storm message from the town:

Mansfield Warming Centers are Available During Extreme Cold Weather

Lower than average temperatures are anticipated in the area over the next few days. The Town of
Mansfield provides the following facilities as Warming Centers during regular hours of operation for
individuals who do not have adequate heat:

Mansfield Community Center Sitting Room

• Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

(Please note: given the storm expected to arrive on Sunday, watch for announcements about Sunday
hours at MCC)

Mansfield Public Library

Library Express at 23 Royce Circle

• Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Main Branch at 54 Warrenville Road

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

For Information about the location of regional shelters and other services is available by dialing 211
and emergency assistance is available by calling 911.

Internet Service during Storms

If residents or visitors lose access to Internet service at home due to storms or any other reason, the
Town of Mansfield offers free Wi-Fi at a number of Town facilities, indoors and outside. The link to the locations can be found on the home page of the Mansfield website, or here:
https://www.mansfieldct.gov/41...

Parking Ban Reminder

Residents and visitors to Mansfield are reminded that a winter parking ban is in effect for this
weekend’s anticipated snowfall. Per Mansfield’s Motor Vehicle & Parking Ordinance, Section 182-3,
“No motor vehicle shall be parked on any public highway under the jurisdiction of the Town of
Mansfield, or in any area designated as a municipal parking area, between the hours of midnight
and 6:00 a.m., from November 1 through April 15; or at all times when there is any accumulation
of snow or ice on said highways or parking areas.”

The ban includes the on-street parking in Downtown Storrs including Storrs Road, Dog Lane, Elsie
Marsh Way, Royce Circle and Wilbur Cross Way. On-street parking during winter storms must not
impede traffic or snow removal. Cars that are found to violate the parking ban or impede plowing
operations will be towed.

This weekend, the Town of Mansfield and LAZ Parking, which operates the parking garage in
Downtown Storrs, will permit free parking starting Saturday evening, January 24 thru noon on
Tuesday, January 27. Those residents who park on the street are encouraged to move their vehicles
into the garage during the storm or they will be towed.

The Town of Mansfield Department of Public Works also requests that bicycle owners refrain from
leaving bicycles on sidewalks or the Town Square during snowstorms or overnight. The cooperation of motorists and cyclists will aid the Public Works staff in their efforts to maintain clear roadways and sidewalks through the winter.