Snow Emergency Declared In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling has declared a snow emergency in Norwalk, effective Friday at 3 p.m., ahead of possible severe winter weather this weekend.

In a news release, Rilling reminded residents and businesses to take precautions to stay safe during "a significant Nor’easter" forecasted to begin sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning.

See also: CT Weather: Blizzard Warning Issued As Nor'easter Approaches

According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow is expected in Fairfield County as of Friday morning, with total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches possible and winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Near blizzard conditions are possible for a period on Saturday.

Rilling said cooperation from residents and businesses is extremely helpful to the efficient and timely removal of snow and ice and the restoration of safe travel in Norwalk.

"Forecasts are now coming into agreement and this part of the State may receive 10-16 inches of snow," Rilling said in a news release. "While there is no indication of major coastal flooding in Southwest CT, some minor flooding may occur. The light snow paired with higher winds may cause reduced visibility at times."

Residents are asked to avoid all nonessential travel throughout the weekend, Rilling said.

Here are the latest updates:

• Plow trucks are being prepped to handle the storm. Pre-treatment of roads is expected to begin Friday night with an emphasis on known trouble spots.

• Vehicles parked on snow emergency routes will be ticketed and/or towed. Free parking is available at the Yankee Doodle and Maritime Garages beginning Friday at 5 p.m.

• All COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics will be canceled this weekend at Veteran's Park and Shady Beach.

• The Norwalk Transfer Station will be closed Saturday.

• Norwalk public libraries will be closed Saturday.

• City beaches and parks will be closed Saturday and Sunday.

• Disruption to city services on Monday is not expected, however residents are asked to visit norwalkct.org/snow throughout the weekend for the latest updates.

Here's what residents can do to help:

• Stay off the roads as much as possible. Give DPW plow drivers time to clear the roads safely before heading out. If you do need be on the roads, give snowplows plenty of space to work (Don't crowd the plow)

• Remove vehicles from the street. Residents can park their vehicles overnight in the Yankee Doodle or Maritime Garages after 5 p.m. When a snow emergency is declared, vehicle owners parked on Emergency Response Routes will be ticketed and/or towed.

• Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and footpaths that adjoin your property. Residents and community groups are encouraged to "adopt-a- hydrant" by shoveling a 3-foot circle around a hydrant and a path to the street. In the event of a fire, having hydrants clear can save significant time.

• Do not shovel or plow snow into the street after the DPW snowplow has begun clearing the street.

• Drivers must make sure their vision is not impaired by ice or snow and snow must be removed from roofs so it does not slide off and impact or other operators.

• If a resident have a true medical emergency, contact 911 for assistance, otherwise refrain from calling police, fire, public works or customer service to find out when their street will be plowed. Crews are working diligently with available resources to clear all city streets as quickly as possible.

• Snow cleanup usually takes between 16 and 24 hours from the end of a snowstorm. Cooperation in these activities will allow for quicker and more effective clearance of all city streets.

• Although city officials are not expecting significant winds that may cause downed trees and wires, residents should still be prepared for power outages. Do not run generators inside a home or use grills, ovens or stoves as heating sources.

Updates and additional resources can be found on the city's "snow center" at norwalkct.org/snow.

This article originally appeared on the Norwalk Patch