Winter Storm Targets Windsor Locks, East Windsor: Latest Forecast, Cancellations

EAST WINDSOR/WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — As a significant winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow and hazardous travel beginning Sunday, officials in East Windsor and Windsor Locks say public works crews are preparing for extended operations as conditions deteriorate.

Preparedness And Local Operations

In East Windsor, Director of Public Works, Town Engineer, and Tree Warden Leonard J. Norton, P.E. said in an email that crews have completed storm preparations and will closely monitor conditions as snowfall begins. Operations will be adjusted throughout the event, with a focus on keeping main roads and emergency routes passable during periods of heavier snow.

East Windsor officials said the town has an adequate salt supply on hand, expected to be sufficient for a prolonged or multi-day storm. At peak operations, the town plans to have 11 plow trucks on the road with 11 drivers assigned to plowing duties. Crews are expected to work extended shifts, particularly during heavier snowfall Sunday night into Monday.

In Windsor Locks, officials confirmed the town has maintained sufficient snow-removal materials despite an unusually demanding winter. According to Windsor Locks public works leadership, the town currently has more than 600 tons of salt on hand, with an additional 400 tons on order, and anticipates this will be sufficient for a multi-day storm. At peak operations, Windsor Locks will have nine plow trucks dedicated to roadway clearing, supported by eight additional pickups, F-550s, and other equipment to clear parking lots, sidewalks, and assist with road operations as needed, according to an email from Devin Cowperthwaite, director of public works for the Town of Windsor Locks.

Windsor Locks does not issue a traditional parking ban, but town code prohibits vehicles from remaining on any town-maintained street or highway once a winter storm has been in progress for one hour and until 12 hours after the storm ends. Vehicles left on the roadway during that period can interfere with plowing and emergency response.

Guidance For Residents

Officials in both towns emphasized that the single most important thing residents can do during the storm is to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. Limiting traffic allows plow operators to work more efficiently and reduces the risk of crashes while crews are actively clearing snow.

In East Windsor, a parking ban will be in effect beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday and continuing through Tuesday. Town officials said vehicles parked on roadways during the ban can significantly delay plowing operations and create safety hazards.

In Windsor Locks, police have reminded residents via social media that parking on any roadway is prohibited during snow events under town code and that vehicles left on the road may be ticketed or towed.

Residents are asked to report true emergencies such as downed trees, wires, or impassable roads by calling 911. Non-emergency concerns should be reported through local police non-emergency lines or the appropriate public works department so issues can be addressed as conditions allow.

National Weather Service Forecast

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for interior Connecticut from early Sunday through Monday afternoon. Forecasters say inland areas could see between eight and 15 inches of snow, with locally higher totals possible. Snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour at times, especially Sunday night, and travel is expected to be difficult due to snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.

Local TV Forecast And Timing

Local television meteorologists are largely aligned on the storm’s timing and impacts.

Meteorologists at WFSB say snow will begin late Sunday morning, intensify through the afternoon and evening, and peak Sunday night into early Monday, with more than a foot of snow possible inland.

At WTNH, forecasters say snow should develop around 8 a.m. Sunday and continue into Monday morning, with roughly 12 to 15 inches expected across interior Connecticut.

Meteorologists at NBC Connecticut say snow will move into the state from the south around midday Sunday, with total accumulations ranging from 10 to 18 inches by the time the storm tapers off Monday. NBC Connecticut says the worst travel conditions are expected Sunday night.

At FOX61, forecasters say confidence continues to increase that inland areas will see a foot or more of snow, with the worst travel conditions likely Sunday afternoon through early Monday.

Residents in both communities are urged to plan ahead, follow local parking rules, avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm, and give plow crews the space they need to safely clear roads.