(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is ordering all State of Connecticut executive branch office buildings closed to the public on Monday, February 23, 2026, due to the major winter storm that is impacting the state.
For the duration of this storm-related closure, the governor is directing that:
- Level 1 executive branch state employees should report to work as scheduled or directed.
- Level 2 executive branch state employees should not report to work in-person to their state offices/work locations. Additionally:
- Level 2 employees who are scheduled to telework on Monday should do so or use their accrued leave; and
- Level 2 employees who are scheduled to report to work in-person to their state offices/work locations on Monday are requested, though not required, to telework, in accordance with the executive branch Telework Policy.
The governor’s storm-related directive applies to executive branch state offices. Decisions regarding the operations of judicial and legislative branch offices are made by the leaders of those respective branches of state government.
“This is an intense storm and it is expected to continue throughout Monday morning and into the afternoon before finally tapering off,” Governor Lamont said. “I am urging everyone who does not need to be on the roads to avoid all unnecessary, non-essential travel and do their best to stay home and stay safe.”
The Connecticut State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) became activated effective at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and will remain staffed with representatives of various state agencies and partner organizations throughout the duration of the storm. Located in Hartford, the EOC is the state’s central emergency management hub, where state leaders, agencies, and partners coordinate information, resources, and strategies to manage emergency situations. Additionally, the state’s five regional emergency management offices are also activated in locations across the state.
The terminology used for state employee classifications was established through an executive order issued in 2018. Level 1 state employees include those who were previously designated as “essential” based on their respective job duties. Level 2 state employees include those who were previously designated as “nonessential.”
To subscribe to emergency alerts through the state’s CT Alert notification system, visit ct.gov/ctalert.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.