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

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford 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.

Winter Storm Emergency Declared In Stamford

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons on Thursday declared a winter storm emergency effective at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, and extending through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, unless sooner terminated.

Stamford’s Snow Emergency Ordinance limits on-street parking during a declared snow emergency to allow plows to access and clear streets during extreme winter storms.

Residents who live on a snow emergency route must move their vehicles off the street or will be subject to ticketing and towing. Parking will be free at the Bedford, Bell, and Summer Street garages during the time of the snow emergency.

During a declared snow emergency, or anytime when 2 inches or more of snow is predicted, streets that normally allow parking on both sides will be subject to "alternate side of street' parking. On odd-numbered dates, parking is permitted only on the odd-numbered side of the street; on even-numbered dates, parking is permitted only on the even-numbered side. Cars must be moved by 8 a.m. the following day.

Motorists should stay off the roads to allow for road maintenance crews to plow the roads safely and efficiently.

More information on snow removal can be found on the City of Stamford website. Additional winter weather resources and information on things like city closings can be found here.

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.

Stamford Public Schools announced that classes are cancelled for Monday, Jan. 26.

Knights of Columbus bingo is cancelled for Monday, Jan. 26

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

Winter Storm Preparedness

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 Stamford Police Department non-emergency number is 203-977-4444. Residents should dial 911 in case of an emergency.

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

Dr. Alan Weiner from Stamford Health also provided the following health and safety tips:

• Try to shovel the area that you're going to be walking on before you walk on it, especially steps or any areas on an incline that are more likely to result in falls. Placing salt on the ground also can help prevent these nasty spills.
• When snow is on the ground, it is everyone's inclination to shovel it and this may not always be the best thing to do for people who have medical problems, especially older people. People can get heart attacks when they shovel. It's not a myth; we do see it.
• Finally, the body can develop hypothermia and frostbite very, very quickly when the temperatures are low this time of year. It's important to wear gloves and hats over our heads and ears.
• At the first sign that your fingers are getting cold, even if you have gloves on, you should go inside. This is especially important for people who have other medical problems that put them at risk, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Emergency Helplines - Utilities

• Aquarion Water Company: 1-800-732-9678
• Eversource: 1-800-286-2000
• CT Natural Gas Company: 1-203-869-6900
• Optimum/Altice: 1-866-950-3278
• Frontier Communications: 1-800-239-4430