Winter Storm Targets Norwalk: ​Snow Emergency Details, Latest Forecast, Cancellations

NORWALK, CT — A major winter storm is barreling toward Connecticut Sunday into Monday, with the possibility of a foot or more of snow amid nasty, biting cold, according to the latest weather forecasts.

Local Weather

Southern Connecticut is expected to get between eight 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.

A winter storm watch is in effect for early Sunday through Monday afternoon.

Travel is expected to be difficult, with hazardous road conditions and reduced visibility, and the National Weather Service advises delaying any travel if possible.

While Saturday is currently expected to be mostly sunny and cold, the latest forecast as of Friday morning calls for snow on Sunday starting around 1 a.m.

The snow could be heavy at times. High near 25. Northeast wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible, according to the forecast.

Snow is expected to continue Sunday night into Monday. (A full forecast for southern Connecticut can be viewed here.)

Snow Emergency Declared In Norwalk

Mayor Barbara Smyth has declared a snow emergency starting Saturday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m.

In an email to Patch, Director of Communications Jenn McMurrer said the city was prepared and ready for the upcoming snowstorm.

According to McMurrer, Smyth met with the city's Department of Public Works on Friday.

"The trucks are ready to go and are going to work on pre-treating streets starting an hour before the storm hits," McMurrer said.

McMurrer also noted the city asks residents not to park in school parking lots or at City Hall, which will help DPW clear these areas and avoid disruption of operations.

"We know that snow emergencies can be stressful," Smyth said in a statement sent to Patch, "but we want to make sure all residents are staying safe and off the roads as much as possible to allow for our amazing team to do their jobs."

According to a DPW spokesperson, 38 plow trucks are expected to be on the road at peak operations Sunday and Monday, with an estimated total of 51 drivers assigned to plowing operations in Norwalk.

DPW also noted the single most important thing residents can do to help plow operation is avoid parking on the roads, in municipal lots or at schools, as well as avoid driving during the storm and wait until plows finish cleaning up the roads before residents clean their driveway.

Residents can report true hazards such as downed trees or impassable roads by calling the city's Customer Service department at 203-854-3200, or the Norwalk Police Department's non-emergency number at 203-854-3000.

Snow Emergency Details

According to the announcement from the city, any vehicles on the city's snow emergency routes must be temporarily removed.

The city has made the Yankee Doodle and Maritime Aquarium garages available to residents for free parking, effective Saturday at 2 p.m.

Residents can find a map of Norwalk's snow emergency routes here.

For a snow emergency, in accordance with city code:

1. No vehicle shall park or otherwise remain standing upon any snow emergency route when there is present an accumulation of two or more inches of snow or ice for a period of one hour or more between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
2. A declared snow emergency shall remain in effect until terminated through an announcement by the mayor.
3. No person shall park a vehicle or otherwise allow a vehicle to stand upon any portion of a snow emergency route. No person shall park a vehicle or otherwise allow a vehicle to stand upon any street in such a manner as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to vehicular or pedestrian traffic or to hamper and interfere with the work of removing or plowing snow or the removal of ice.
4. Vehicles in violation of these restrictions may be ticketed and/or towed.

The city also asks residents to clear their sidewalks and check on any family members, friends or neighbors who may need assistance.

Furthermore, the cirty reminds Norwalk residents to take all safety precautions during extreme cold, including wearing layers when outside and avoiding prolonged exposure.

Residents can access the city's cold weather resource page here.

School Cancellations

Norwalk Public Schools announced Sunday that classes have been canceled for Monday due to inclement weather.

In an announcement posted to the district's Facebook page Sunday, district officials said schools will be closed Jan. 26 and all after-school activities and programs are canceled.

Norwalk Public Schools were already scheduled to release students two hours early Monday for staff professional development.

The district also posted a reminder to Facebook on Friday urging residents not to park in school parking lots overnight.

According to the district's post, vehicles left in school lots prevent the city's Department of Public Works from clearing the snow and properly treating the lot, which can cause delays or disrupt school operations the next day.

Vehicles that block snow removal may be towed, according to the district.

City Hall Closed Monday

City Hall will be closed Monday, Jan. 24, due to the imminent storm, the city announced Friday evening.

To keep employees safe, they will be working from home to avoid disruption in service, according to the city.

Anyone with questions or concerns is urged to contact the city's Customer Service, which will be available as usual.

Resources Available in Norwalk

On Friday, the city posted a reminder to its Facebook page listing resources available in Norwalk ahead of the upcoming storm.

City officials said they will be posting more information throughout the day and over the weekend to help keep residents informed.

City's Warming Centers

• Norwalk Police Department (day/night)
• Norwalk Public Library (day)
• South Norwalk Library (day, unless determined close because of a snow emergency)
• Open Doors (day/night)
  • Located at 4 Merritt Street, open to any person who is experiencing unsheltered homelessness beginning Friday, Jan. 23, at noon until Wednesday, Jan. 28, for both daytime and nighttime sheltering. All are welcome.

Call 211

Unhoused residents in need of overnight shelter should call 2-1-1 (CT United Way/Infoline). Calling 2-1-1 will allow community members to connect with local shelters and access transportation to a shelter or community-based provider, according to the city.

Community Resource Hub

The city's Community Resource Hub is available here, and trained navigators can be reached at (203) 854-7999 or at City Hall, room 202, during business hours.

A snow center and cold weather resources are also available here.

Norwalk Police Offer Community Information and Safety Tips

The following information was shared Friday morning by the Norwalk Police Department:

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch through January 26. To help residents prepare for the weekend, the City of Norwalk has opened warming centers for those who may need a safe, heated location.

Warming Center Locations

• Norwalk Police Department
• Norwalk Public Main Library
• South Norwalk Library

Cold Weather Safety Tips

• Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
• Limit time outdoors during extreme cold.
• Check on elderly neighbors and those with limited mobility.
• Never use grills or generators indoors.
• Keep phones charged and have emergency supplies ready.

Vehicle Winter Safety Tips

• Allow extra time for travel and slow down on snow- or ice-covered roads.
• Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle, including the roof, windows, and lights.
• Increase following distance and avoid sudden braking.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Carry an emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, and a phone charger.

Additional details, including hours of operation and storm-related updates, can be found on the city of Norwalk's website: https://www.norwalkct.gov/1862/Snow-Center.

Please stay safe and plan ahead as winter conditions approach.

Further Information

• For winter weather safety tips, click on this link.
• For the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, click on this link.