‘Snow Emergency’ Declared In West Haven: Here’s What To Know

WEST HAVEN, CT — (Contributed): To help crews expedite snow removal, Mayor Dorinda Borer has declared a “snow emergency” parking ban during the storm.

The executive order bans parking from 12:01 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday on both sides of Campbell and Savin avenues, Morgan Lane, Elm Street, Meloy Road, Second Avenue from Elm to Beach streets, and Main Street from Savin to Washington avenues.

Once snow begins to fall, a parking ban is also in effect on the even-numbered side of most other roads, unless one is posted with a “No Parking” sign on the odd side. The even-numbered ban is in effect for 36 hours after the storm.

Police can ticket and tow vehicles violating the mandatory parking bans at the owner’s expense. Violators are subject to a $100 fine, per the “Severe Weather” parking ordinance under Chapter 188 of the West Haven Code.

West Haven Emergency Management Director Rick Fontana said residents are urged to move all vehicles off city streets as soon as possible. Vehicles can be parked in driveways, on lawns or in public lots, including schools, Fontana said.

The following public lots are available for off-street parking:

— All schools.

— Campbell Avenue and Captain Thomas Boulevard, next to Biagetti’s Restaurant, 77 Campbell Ave., and Scoreboards Cafe, 100 Campbell Ave.

— Campbell Avenue, across from Duffy’s Tavern, 241 Campbell Ave.

— Curtiss Place, behind 473 Campbell Ave.

— Campbell Avenue, behind 519 Campbell Ave.

— City Hall, 355 Main St.

— Former Stiles School, 575 Main St.

— First Avenue commuter lot.

— Quigley Stadium, 362 Front Ave.

— Sawmill Road commuter lot, across from Econo Lodge, 370 Highland St.

City Police Chief Joseph S. Perno said all vehicles parked in school lots must be removed by 8 p.m. Tuesday so Board of Education crews can plow the lots. Any vehicles left there will be towed at the owner’s expense.

A “severe” winter storm warning is in effect for West Haven from 1 a.m. Tuesday until 6 p.m. Tuesday. Heavy, wet snow accumulations of 7-10 inches and wind gusts up to 35 mph are expected, according to the National Weather Service.

The West Haven Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring the approaching storm and will disseminate information as needed. In anticipation of the snowstorm, plow crews from the Department of Public Works have reviewed plans and are prepared to respond.

Residents are urged to be patient during the snow removal process. Every neighborhood will be plowed.

West Haven’s public schools are closed on Tuesday. The West Haven Senior Center is also closed.

Trash and recycling pickups are suspended on Tuesday and will operate one day behind schedule for the rest of the week.

The city will operate an overnight warming center for West Haven residents in need from 7 p.m. today until further notice on the main floor of the Johnson Community Center at 201 Noble St.

The warming center is for anyone needing relief from the cold. Blankets are provided. No outside food or beverages are allowed.

Plan on slippery road conditions for the morning commute.

Anyone who must travel should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.

Anyone who loses power during the storm is urged to shelter in place.

Do not touch or approach any downed wires or trees. Notify the West Haven Highway Department of any downed trees or wires by calling 203-937-3644.

City Health Director Maureen B. Lillis said all food establishments are urged to have a food storage plan in place if they lose power.

To prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure all generators are operated outside, not in garages, and all household ventilation pipes are kept clear. Also, make sure all vehicle exhaust pipes are kept clear.

For medical and other emergencies, call 911.

Residents and businesses are reminded to shovel their sidewalks within 24 hours after the storm or face a $25 fine “for each day that the violation persists.”

According to the “Removal of Snow and Ice” ordinance under Chapter 195 of the West Haven Code, people are given 24 hours to remove snow from sidewalks on and bordering their properties. Violators are subject to the $25-per-day fine, which is enforced by police, the ordinance states.

Plowing or blowing snow into city streets is prohibited, and violators are subject to a $60 fine for each offense, per the ordinance.

Snow removal around mailboxes is the property owner’s responsibility.

Residents are also urged to help firefighters keep hydrants clear of snow.

For information on the recovery of a towed vehicle, call the West Haven Police Department’s non-emergency line at 203-937-3900.

For all non-emergencies, including storm-related inquiries, call WHPD’s non-emergency line at 203-937-3900.

For all other information, call the city’s Emergency Operations Center at 203-937-3630, starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday, or the Highway Department at 203-937-3644.