Winter Storm Targets West Hartford: What You Need To Know

WEST HARTFORD, 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.

The National Weather Service on Friday morning said the storm is expected to bring 3 to 7 inches of snow on Sunday, with another 4 to 8 inches of snow on Sunday night into Monday.

The predicted total of 7 to 15 inches of snow, however, could be exceeded, according to some TV forecasters.

Temperatures are also expected to be brutal.

The NWS predicts a high of 22 on Sunday, which will fall into the teens by Sunday night, continuing into Monday, when a high of 24 is expected before another plunge into the single digits on Monday night.

Folks are urged to stay off the roads on Sunday and let the state and local public works staff do their jobs and plow the roads, something that is easier given the timing of the storm.

In West Hartford, local officials offered up myriad tips for folks to cope.

"The West Hartford Office of Emergency Management is advising residents to prepare for extremely cold temperatures this weekend and a potential significant snowstorm expected to impact the area from Sunday into Monday," wrote the town this week.

"While exact conditions may change, residents are encouraged to take steps now to ensure safety and readiness. Please prepare early and stay informed as the forecast develops."

Extreme Cold

The town libraries, community center, and senior centers will be open during normal business hours for residents seeking a warming center.

Additionally, residents can call 211 for locations of warming centers in the area.

Before the Storm

• Monitor weather forecasts and official updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities.
• Ensure vehicles are fueled.
• Stock essential items, including food, water, medications, batteries, and pet supplies, sufficient for several days.
• Charge cell phones and electronic devices.
• There will likely be a parking ban, so plan for vehicles to be off the street. Reminder that vehicles left on the street during a parking ban are subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

During the Storm

• Avoid unnecessary travel. If travel is required, use caution and allow extra time.
• Stay indoors and off roadways to allow plow and emergency crews to operate safely.
• Use space heaters safely and never use generators, grills, or fuel-burning devices indoors.
• Check on elderly neighbors, family members, or those who may need assistance.
• Turn your heat up slightly in case of power outages and to help avoid pipes freezing.
• Power outages and emergencies
• Report power outages directly to your utility provider.
• Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

After the Storm

• Use caution during snow removal; take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion.
• Do not blow or push snow into the street. (per Town Ordinance)
• Watch for falling ice or snow from roofs and trees.
• Avoid walking immediately after the storm while snow removal efforts continue.
• If you do need to walk, wear reflective clothing and stay on the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk against traffic.

More information on preparedness can be found on the town website: https://www.westhartfordct.gov/town-departments/fire-department/emergency-management.

Additional information, including any municipal closures or shelter operations, will be shared through the Town of West Hartford website, Everbridge alerts, and official social media channels as conditions warrant.

Residents can also contact the Office of Emergency Management with questions at OEM@westhartfordct.gov or call 860-561-8310.

Trash delay

Due to the snowstorm, there will be no trash or recycling collectionin West Hartford on Monday, Jan, 26.

The collection will be delayed by one day.

Monday’s area will be picked up on Tuesday, and Tuesday’s area on Wednesday, and so forth.

People should place their barrels at the curb by 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

Parking ban

A Parking Ban will be in place starting at 5 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, until further notice.

During a parking ban, no on-street parking is allowed so that public works crews can remove snow from curb to curb.

Cars left on the road create a safety hazard for all concerned. The owner will receive a fine, and the car may be towed.

The new Blue Light Parking Ban Notification System will flash during a parking ban, indicating that on-street parking is prohibited.

The blue lights are on traffic control mast arms at key signalized intersections along Farmington Avenue, from Trout Brook Drive to the Hartford city line.

"Please take this parking ban seriously and make safe plans for your vehicle," wrote the town.

Off-Street Parking

Before the parking ban begins, now is a good time to start planning off-street parking.

If you live in a place with limited parking, you may park in municipal lots and garages (fees apply for both) and public school lots.

Vehicles must be removed from public school lots by noon on Monday. This will be strictly enforced.

Any cars left in public school lots after noon on Monday will be towed.

"Please park cars close together in municipal lots, leaving no parking spaces between them. This helps plow drivers clear snow efficiently," wrote the town.

Enforcement

The West Hartford Police Department will proactively assist the Department of Public Works in ensuring that the roads are clear of illegally parked vehicles.

Cars violating the parking ban will be ticketed and towed.

Snow removal contractors are reminded not to push snow from driveways and private parking lots into the street.

Sidewalks

Per town ordinance, West Hartford property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalk along their property line within 12 hours after the storm or sunrise, whichever is later, and keeping it clear.

Heavily used sidewalks near schools, public buildings, and commercial areas are essential.

To report a snow-clearing violation, please call the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203.

Hydrants

Help the West Hartford Fire Department and protect neighboring properties by shoveling around fire hydrants.

Emergency alerts

Get alerts about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for West Hartford’s Community Advisory Notification System.

This emergency alert system enables the Town to provide you with critical information by text, voice, and email. Visit https://www.westhartfordct.gov/how-do-i-2/get-notified.

Check out the Ready.gov website on how to prepare for winter storms: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

For winter weather safety tips, click on this link.

For the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, click on this link.