Milford Blizzard 2016 Recap

Related story: Photo Gallery: Milford Blizzard 2016

See related story: Blizzard 2016: Snowfall Totals in Connecticut (So Far)

UPDATE: Of course we went from largely no snow this winter season to a blizzard all at once.

And let’s be honest, no one saw this coming. Yes a snowstorm had been forecast for this weekend, possibly, for several days now, but no one was forecasting a blizzard or a near blizzard.

As we wake up Sunday morning, the Blizzard/Winter Storm warnings end and we’re hopefully using the snowblower and not shoveling this stuff.

Depending on where you are in Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties you’re looking at about a foot of snow on the low end, and possibly 2 feet of snow.

Unlike last winter, when we got hit with a blizzard another snowstorm was on it’s way two days later, we’re facing a much better situation.

Sunday will dry, which is a good thing and temps will be around the freezing mark and clouds will turn to sunny skies.

But after Sunday we’ll see a slow warm-up as temps will be above freezing through Saturday, and most importantly no snow chances through Saturday.

We may even hit the mid 40s on Tuesday!

UPDATE, 4:45 P.M. The National Weather Service has just issued a “Special Weather Statement” for all of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties.

The Blizzard Warning remains in effect for southern Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties for between 1-2 feet of snow. The two feet areas will be west of Bridgeport, the National Weather Service writes.

Northern Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties continue to operate under a Winter Storm Warning for between 10-14 inches of snow.

Here is the latest Special Weather Statement issued by the National Weather Service late Saturday afternoon:

Heavy snow is moving into southern Connecticut now and snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour are expected.

Some snowfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour are possible in isolated incidents.

The heaviest snow for southern Connecticut is expected between 5-7 p.m. with blizzard conditions continuing at the immediate coast, and near blizzard conditions a bit inland.

UPDATE, 1:30 P.M. Milford Battalion Fire Chief Anthony Fabrizi said everything is relatively status quo as of now in Milford.

“We did experience some very minor flooding in the shoreline areas during high tide this morning....which was expected. No major accidents or injuries to report as well,” Fabrizi said.

“We will be keeping a close eye on this evenings high tide at 10:52 pm. We strongly advise all residents to remain indoors and not to travel the roads until the storm has passed, and roads are deemed safe for travel,” Fabrizi added.

UPDATE: 12:30 P.M. The ever changing forecast is of course changing again.

Yes, a Blizzard Warning is still in effect until 7 a.m. Sunday but the projected snow totals are exploding.

In a late morning update, the National Weather Service says communities on the immediate coastline, including southern Fairfield, southern New Haven, southern Middlesex and southern New London counties, will all see a minimum of 12 inches of snow.

The jackpot goes to communities west of Bridgeport which will now see 18-24 inches of snow, and for the rest of us, our consolation prize is 12-18 inches of snow.

Here are some other key notes from the NWS:

* HAZARD TYPES...WIDESPREAD BLIZZARD CONDITIONS...WITH HEAVY SNOW
AND POTENTIALLY DAMAGING WINDS CAUSING CONSIDERABLE BLOWING AND
DRIFTING SNOW AND NEAR ZERO VISIBILITIES.

* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 18 TO 24 INCHES WEST OF
BRIDGEPORT...AND 12 TO 18 INCHES EAST.

* WINDS...NORTH 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH.

* VISIBILITIES...ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES.

* TEMPERATURES...IN THE MID 20S.

* TIMING...THROUGH TONIGHT.

* IMPACTS...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TRAVEL DUE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL AND STRONG WINDS WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS LIKELY. SECONDARY AND TERTIARY ROADS MAY BECOME IMPASSABLE. STRONG WINDS MAY DOWN POWER LINES AND TREE LIMBS.

UPDATE 10 A.M. Due to the weather, all City of Milford buildings are closed to the public today, January 23, 2016. All Recreation, Library, and School activities scheduled for today are cancelled or will be rescheduled.

Please limit your travels and be safe, Mayor Ben Blake said.

UPDATE: 8:30 A.M.

Well that escalated quickly last night. What a strange week. Since last Sunday there has been talk of a major Nor’Easter that may impact Connecticut late Friday and into Saturday.

As you know the forecast has changed more than a dozen times between then and now.

Even in the past 48 hours the forecasts have changed dramatically. At one time it appeared we may get just a few inches of snow but then it was upgraded Friday afternoon to six inches and just before midnight the storm was upgraded to what it is now, a Blizzard Warning, which is now in effect as we face more than a foot of snow possibly.

The Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Sunday for all communities along the Connecticut coastline or I-95 corridor including southern Fairfield, southern New Haven, southern Middlesex, and southern New London counties.

Heavy snow is forecast and “potentially damaging winds,” blowing and drifting snow with near zero visibilities. expected Saturday and Saturday evening.

Snow will accumulate anywhere between 8-12 inches and higher amounts are possible.

Winds will be sustained at 20 to 30 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph and the temps will be in the mid to upper 20s.

Conditions deteriorate as the day moves along.

Travel may be extremely dangerous because of the likelihood of “whiteout conditions” and power outages may be a concern. The National Weather Service urges against traveling unless you have to.

WTNH News 8’s Meteorologist Gil Simmons wrote, “Snow will be picking up steadily through the morning. Heavy snow midday through the afternoon with strong winds and low visibility. I would not advise traveling for the afternoon it will be very difficult to see.”

Snow flurries have now entered the state as of 7 a.m. and Simmons said the snow will really pick up by 11 a.m. and traveling after that time will be difficult.

Details below on Milford’s parking ban

Mayor Benjamin G. Blake said the city of Milford has declared a Snow Emergency, which means that “ALTERNATE SIDE OF THE STREET PARKING WILL BE IN EFFECT BEGINNING AT 6:00 AM Tomorrow (Saturday).

Vehicles parked on City roads should be parked on the Odd Number Side of the street starting 6:00AM, Saturday, January 23rd until 5:00 PM Sunday, January 24.

On Sunday, January 24, vehicles should be moved to the Even Number Side of the street. This alternate side of the street parking ban will be lifted at 5 PM on Sunday, January 24.

This ban will allow plows to keep roads passable and accessible to emergency vehicles. [OFF STREET PARKING SHOULD BE UTILIZED WHERE POSSIBLE.]

Also, residents are reminded that they are responsible for shoveling snow and ice from their sidewalks and property.

Thank you and be safe, the Mayor wrote.

We’ll update this guide in real time as we receive news and information.

Residents are strongly encouraged to clear the fire hydrants near their homes if it gets covered by snow during a storm in case of an emergency.

• Important links: Milford’s Hour-By-Hour Nor’Easter Snowstorm Forecast
• ‘Near Blizzard’ Conditions Now Forecast for Milford

Latest cancellations

None currently

Important Links

• Milford Patch: News Alerts, Facebook

Important Phone Numbers

• Emergency: 911
• Milford Police: (203) 878-6551
• Milford Fire: (203) 874-6321

If You Lose Power

Stay Informed

Sign Up for United Illuminating’’s Outage Alerts. We will let you know when we are aware of your power outage, provide an estimated restoration time (when available) and send you confirmation when your service has been restored. Text “REG” to 839-884 to get outage alerts sent to your mobile phone by text message. Or, sign up for your choice of text, phone or e-mail alerts by visiting uinet.com.

Visit the Storm Center on uinet.com to keep track of current outages on our Outage Map and Town Outage List. You can also learn about our process for restoring power on the Restoration Priorities page, get safety information and more.

Report Outages and Gas Emergencies

Always assume downed power lines are live and dangerous, and be mindful of natural gas odors. If you see a downed power line or trees touching power lines, or if you need to report an electrical power outage, or if you smell natural gas, call your utility toll-free with the location and any specifics. Keep these numbers handy and programmed into your mobile phone.

• The United Illuminating Company: 800-722-5584 (800-CALL-UI)
• Southern Connecticut Gas Company: 800-513-8898
• Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation: at 866-924-5325
• Berkshire Gas Company: 888-779-8559

Prepare Your Home

Make sure you have flashlights, candles, matches, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio or TV, a manual can-opener and a battery-operated clock. Stock up on fresh batteries, too. Fill containers with drinking water and keep a supply of canned or dried food, as well as any medications you need. (Don’t forget to check expiration dates.) Charge your mobile phone so you can report outages or emergencies. Store key contacts in your phone’s memory, and keep a paper copy for backup. Check your fire and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure the batteries are in proper working order.

If You Lose Service

Keep sensitive electronic appliances such as computers, TVs and stereos plugged into a surge protector, or unplug them. They could be damaged if a power surge occurs when electricity is restored.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. For information about food safety, visit http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/refridg_food.html

Never use your stove or oven as a space heater to stay warm. Only use space heaters intended for indoor use inside or in enclosed spaces, following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unable to keep your home heated safely and comfortably, call Infoline at 211 in Connecticut or Massachusetts for resources that can help you and your family.

Home Generators

Any generator that plugs into a home’s wiring should be connected via a transfer switch by a licensed electrician. This ensures that when the generator is in use, house wiring is isolated from utility lines. Improper installation can damage the generator, or create hazards for utility employees working on poles, or even the general public. UI leases and installs an affordable automatic transfer switch that safely connects your portable generator to your electric meter to allow you to run your home’s equipment directly from your circuit breaker panel. Call 877-447-8743 or visit uinet.com/shieldandconnect for information.

If adding a natural gas-fired generator, consult your gas utility to ensure there is adequate pressure. Generators should be placed outdoors and away from doors and windows to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide.

Medical equipment

If someone in your home uses electronic life-support or medical-monitoring equipment, develop a backup plan in case an extended power outage occurs. UI has a program to register life-support customers. Call UI at 800-722-5584 for information.

Keep Gas Meters Clear

If you are a natural gas customer, keep any outdoor gas equipment, such as a meter, regulator or piping, clear of snow and ice. Use a broom rather than a shovel to avoid damaging the gas equipment. Also, when conditions are safe, check your roof and gutters to make sure there is no snow or ice buildup that can fall on your gas meter or piping, or block vents.