Stamford Mayor Provides Winter Storm Update

Information via the city of Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor David Martin provided an update Monday evening on the ongoing winter storm in Stamford.

According to a news release, Stamford has had approximately 12 to 14 inches of snow accumulation today with weather forecasts anticipating a total of 15 to 18 inches of snow by Tuesday morning. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

The city has roughly 100 workers dedicated to responding to the snowstorm and roughly 40 snowplows out clearing roads. Residents are strongly advised not to travel unless it is an emergency. City crews need roads to be clear of motorists to perform snow removal safely.

"This is more snow than we’ve seen in some time but our Emergency Operation Center is activated and prepared to respond to concerns while our City crews continue to clear our roads," Martin said in a news release. "The good news is we have not reported any major safety concerns. I thank our residents for continuing to stay in their households, choosing to not travel in these conditions, and keeping their safety and others' in mind."

Forty-five power outages have been reported representing roughly 0.07% of Eversource customers in Stamford. Eight motor vehicle accidents have been reported. Seven of these accidents were considered minor with no injuries, while one resulted in two individuals being transported to Stamford Hospital with both individuals being reported as conscious and in stable condition.

Any life-threatening safety concerns, including unsafe road conditions, downed wires or accidents, can be reported to the Stamford Police Department's non-emergency phone number at 203-977-4444.

Motorists are reminded not to park their cars on Snow Emergency Routes and to follow parking instructions for alternate parking streets outlined here to allow city crews to perform snow removal safely and efficiently.

The city towed 50 cars from snow emergency routes to facilitate snow removal. During snow emergencies, residents can park for free at city garages including Bedford Street, Summer Street, and Bell Street. Residents who have had their car towed can call 2030-977-4444 and provide a license plate number for further directions.

Garbage and recycling pickup will be delayed one day due to storm conditions. Tuesday's pickup will be performed on Wednesday. Wednesday's pickup will be performed on Thursday. Thursday's pickup will be performed on Friday. Friday's pickup will be performed on Saturday.

Residents are advised to keep in mind the following safety guidelines:

• When shoveling snow, be aware of health concerns.
  • Avoid overexertion which could result in a heart attack.
  • Protect from back injury by lifting correctly — lift with your knees and keep the load of snow close to your body to avoid overextending. Reposition your feet when shoveling snow and avoid twisting motions.
  • Drink plenty of water while engaging in rigorous outdoor activity. Dehydration is just as likely to occur in Winter conditions as in Summer conditions.
  • Shoveling snow is safest when done slowly with many smaller scoops as opposed to large shovel loads. Especially true for shoveling wet snow.
  • When shoveling, it is best to do so during the warmest part of the day (midday).
  • To avoid physical strain, do not wait for all the snow to fall and then shovel your entire property. Shovel multiple times throughout the day to avoid overexertion and fatigue.
• Stamford has a Removal of Snow and Ice Ordinance requiring snow to be removed within twelve (12) hours after snow fall or freezing; or if such fall or freezing is in the nighttime, before 10:00 am the succeeding day. Any person who violates this section shall be fined ninety dollars ($90) for each offense.
• Adopt-a-Fire Hydrant. If you live near a fire hydrant, please clear the hydrant of snow to help fire crews in the event of an emergency. See the Stamford Fire Department Adopt-A-Hydrant Program.
• Frostbite. Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible. At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin — frostbite may be beginning. The following may be indications of frostbite:
  • A white or grayish-yellow skin area
  • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
  • Numbness.
• Vehicle safety and "ice missiles."
  • Snow and ice is mandated to be removed from passenger cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles because of the dangers of “ice missiles” — snow or ice that can dislodge from the top of vehicles into other vehicles are dangerous speed.
  • Ensure a vehicle’s exhaust system is not blocked by snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Beware of black ice on roadways, typically forming when melted snow or ice freezes from the temperature of the ground. Unsafe road conditions should be reported to 203-977-4444.
• Carbon Monoxide. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning after a storm. Always open flues when fireplaces are in use. Never use a gas kitchen oven to heat your home or use gas or charcoal grills indoors.
• Register with Stamford's Emergency Notification System CT Alerts to receive a phone message, text message, or email whenever there is an urgent announcement or situational update. Visit www.ctalert.gov for more information.
  • Residents can also stay informed on updates from the city of Stamford by following our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and NextDoor.