(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced he is directing the State Emergency Operations Center, which is already activated in a virtual capacity for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, to remain activated for the purposes of monitoring and responding to conditions resulting from the severe winter storm that is forecast to impact the state beginning the morning of Monday, February 1, 2021.
In addition, the governor is directing that Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, which went into effect on Thursday and was scheduled to expire on Monday, remain in effect and be extended through 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3. While in effect, 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. Anyone in need of shelter is urged to contact 2-1-1 and they will be directed to the nearest available locations.
As significant amounts of snowfall are anticipated to cause whiteout conditions that will make travel dangerous, Governor Lamont is urging people in Connecticut to avoid all unnecessary travel during the storm and remain in place if at all possible on Monday.
“During this storm, we are expecting the rate of snow to come down fast, falling at rates of up to one to two inches at times, which will cause whiteout conditions that will make travel dangerous,” Governor Lamont said. “I am urging everyone in Connecticut to make plans now so that you can avoid all unnecessary travel throughout the day on Monday, particularly during the afternoon when snowfall rates are forecast to be at their heaviest.”
Crews from the Connecticut Department of Transportation have been pre-treating road surfaces throughout the weekend. The state has 634 plow trucks, 18 industrial loader-mounted snow blowers, and over 100 front-end loaders that are prepared for deployment, in addition to roughly 200 contractors that are on standby and ready to supplement the state plowing fleet.
While it is encouraged to avoid driving if at all possible, motorists are encouraged to check www.cttravelsmart.org for the latest road updates and alerts before traveling.