CT Weather: Tractor-Trailer Ban Ordered As Heavy Snow Moves In

CONNECTICUT — Heavy snow, possibly up to three inches per hour, will move into Connecticut after 8 p.m. tonight and continue until early Thursday before tapering off in the morning hours, state officials said Wednesday evening.

Connecticut officials announced that they have ordered a tractor-trailer ban on highways from 9 p.m. Wednesday through 9 a.m. Thursday. A travel advisory is being issued for regular cars. Gov. Ned Lamont said the travel ban for tractor-trailers has been coordinated with New York.

Lamont said the ban is vital as stuck tractor-trailers would slow up snow-plowing efforts. Lamont said that this storm is for "real," not overhyped.

The ban is on all limited access highways in the state. Neighboring states are implementing similar bans.

In addition, he has issued a travel advisory for all other vehicles during this time and is urging motorists to stay off the roads during the peak periods of the storm.

“During the peak periods of the storm, we are anticipating severe white-out conditions that will make travel very difficult, and that is why are implementing a ban on tractor trailers during these hours,” Lamont said. “We are strongly urging motorists to stay home during the storm unless absolutely critical.”

Lamont also ordered all executive branch state office buildings closed to the public on Thursday.

“After consulting with the state’s emergency management team, we have decided to direct all Level 2 state employees who have been physically reporting to work during this pandemic to stay home out of an abundance of caution as road conditions are expected to severely deteriorate Thursday due to the winter storm,” Lamont said. “I strongly encourage private sector employees consider enacting similar policies for their employees, as road conditions will be rough during the day.”

Therefore, the governor is directing as follows:

1. Level 2 state employees who are able to telework shall telework for the duration of the storm-related closures;
2. Level 2 state employees who were designated as Level 1 for the purposes of supporting the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic who are able to telework shall telework for the duration of the storm-related closures unless otherwise directed by their commissioner or agency-head; and
3. Level 2 state employees whose job duties cannot be performed via telework should not report to work in-person.

Level 2 state employees are all of those who were previously designated as “nonessential” based on their respective job duties, and Level 1 are those who were previously designated as “essential," state officials said.

The governor also said he believes all students should be able to have remote learning on Thursday, especially since the technology exists. Some school districts across Connecticut have already announced plans to cancel school Thursday so students can enjoy a traditional snow day. Lamont said it is his preference that all students learn from home Thursday.

Metro-North officials also announced the snowstorm is impacting its schedule.

Connecticut's two utilities say they are prepared for the major winter storm.

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CT's severe cold weather protocol system is activated

Lamont said wind chills are expected to drop into the single digits this evening, and he is directing Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol to be activated beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16 and lasting through 12 p.m. on Friday, December 18. This is the first time this season that the protocol will have been activated.

The protocol sets up a system for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe conditions. United Way 2-1-1 operates as the point of contact for individuals who need shelter and transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Protocols have been enacted at shelters throughout the state to adhere to the necessary COVID-19 safety measures.

“Being outdoors in these extreme cold conditions for extended periods is not safe, and we must spread the word that shelters are available throughout Connecticut,” Lamont said. “If you or someone you know is in need of shelter, call 2-1-1 and they will connect you with a nearby location.”

While activated, the protocol enacts the following actions:

• The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
• The Department of Social Services, Department of Housing, and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.

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Here are the updated weather statements as of 4 p.m. Wednesday for where you are:

Southern Connecticut:

A winter storm warning is in effect until 1 p.m. Thursday.

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 16 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There is still some uncertainty with how much, if any mixing occurs tonight for southeastern coastal Connecticut. If some mixing occurs, snowfall amounts will be
lower.

Hartford CT-Tolland CT-Windham CT:

A winter storm warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m. Thursday.

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 11 to 15 inches.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact overnight travel as well as the Thursday morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow develops tonight, becoming heavy at times overnight into Thursday morning. Snow tapers off by Thursday afternoon.

Litchfield County

A winter storm warning is in effect until 1 p.m. Thursday.

WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 20 inches. Locally around 2 feet at elevations above 1500 feet. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The snow will be dry and fluffy. Snowfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour at times tonight into Thursday morning. Blowing and drifting snow may reduce visibilities below a quarter mile at times.

Hour-by-hour forecast for the Connecticut coast:

• 5 p.m.: 29 degrees; 5 percent chance of snow
• 8 p.m.: 26 degrees; 70 percent chance of snow
• 11 p.m.: 26 degrees; 100 percent chance of snow
• 2 a.m.: 28 degrees; 100 percent chance of snow
• 5 a.m.: 28 degrees; 90 percent chance of snow
• 8 a.m.: 26 degrees; 65 percent chance of snow
• 11 a.m.: 29 degrees; 53 percent chance of snow
• 2 p.m.: 30 degrees; 23 percent chance of snow

Between 6 p.m. Wednesday and noon Thursday, the weather service predicts 14 inches of snow with most of it falling before 8 a.m. Thursday. Wind gusts will be between 25 and 35 mph for most of the storm.

Hour-by-hour forecast for interior sections of southern Connecticut:

• 5 p.m.: 27 degrees; 2 percent chance of snow
• 8 p.m.: 24 degrees; 70 percent chance of snow
• 11 p.m.: 24 degrees; 100 percent chance of snow
• 2 a.m.: 26 degrees; 100 percent chance of snow
• 5 a.m.: 27 degrees; 92 percent chance of snow
• 8 a.m.: 24 degrees; 70 percent chance of snow
• 11 a.m.: 26 degrees; 50 percent chance of snow
• 2 p.m.: 27 degrees; 26 percent chance of snow

Between 6 p.m. Wednesday and noon Thursday, the weather service predicts 14 inches of snow with most of it falling before 8 a.m. Thursday. Wind gusts will be between 15 and 30 mph for most of the storm.

Hour-by-hour forecast for northern Connecticut:

• 5 p.m.: 26 degrees; 21 percent chance of snow
• 8 p.m.: 26 degrees; 87 percent chance of snow
• 11 p.m.: 25 degrees; 100 percent chance of snow
• 2 a.m.: 25 degrees; 100 percent chance of snow
• 5 a.m.: 25 degrees; 92 percent chance of snow
• 8 a.m.: 24 degrees; 91 percent chance of snow
• 11 a.m.: 23 degrees; 65 percent chance of snow
• 2 p.m.: 27 degrees; 20 percent chance of snow

Between 7 p.m. Wednesday and noon Thursday, the weather service predicts 10 inches of snow with most of it falling before 8 a.m. Thursday. Wind gusts will be between 15 and 20 mph for most of the storm.

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