Winter Storm Targeting Middletown, What Residents Need To Know About Timing, Parking

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The city of Middletown 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 interior Connecticut 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.

In anticipation of the storm, Middletown has activated cold weather protocol. The Middletown Warming Center is located at 184 High Street and will be open at the following times:

• Friday, January 23rd open at 5:00 pm – 7:30 am on Saturday, January 24th.
• Saturday, January 24th open at 2:00 pm through Sunday day and night, close at 10:00 am on Monday, January 26th.
• Monday, January 26th open 5:00 pm – 7:30 am on Tuesday, January, 27th.
• Tuesday, January 27th open 5:00 pm – 7:30 am on Wednesday, January 28th.

People can also seek respite during the extreme cold weather emergency at the following locations:

St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen (617 Main Street):

• Saturday, January 24th open 8:30 am – 2:00 pm.
• Monday, January 26th open 8:30 am – 2:00 pm.
• Tuesday, January 27th open 8:30 am – 2:00 pm.
• Wednesday, January 28th open 8:30 am – 2:00 pm.

Russell Library (123 Broad Street):

• Friday, January 23rd open 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
• Saturday, January 24th open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• Sunday, January 25th open 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
• Monday, January 26th open 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.
• Tuesday, January 27th open 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.
• Wednesday, January 28th open 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.
• Due to potential impact of a major snowstorm Sunday into Monday, call the facility prior to arrival (860) 347-2528, officials said.

The Middletown Police Station Lobby (222 Main Street) is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Police said to expect a lengthy parking ban.

"Middletown residents should prepare themselves for a citywide parking ban this weekend," they said. "We advise everyone to come up with a plan for parking their vehicles during the anticipated snowstorm. Our officers will be assisting public works with ticketing and towing vehicles during the storm. Please make our job easy."

For Middletown Sanitation District customers, there is no trash and recycling service on Monday.