Blizzard Slams Branford

UPDATE: 7:10 p.m. As evening approached and snow continued to fall at a fast clip, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy urged Connecticut motorists to stay off the state’s roads. ​“We are closely monitoring storm conditions, which vary greatly from area to area.” The blizzard is expected to taper off this evening. He urged those in the southern part of the state, which is more affected by the storm, to stay off the roads if possible.

Motorists seemed to be listening. I‑95 near exit 53 and 54 was virtually deserted because visibility is extremely poor. Snow was falling between 1 and 3 inches an hour, packing a punch as it hit the ground.

The DOT Twitter feed is reporting many accidents along I‑95 from Stamford to New London and along I‑84 in Waterbury.

“The Department of Transportation currently has 543 plow trucks deployed, focused on the Fairfield County and shoreline areas,” Malloy said.However, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that things were quite slow and that people are home due to the weekend and have the sense to stay home due to the storm. Some, like our photographer Mary Johnson, ventured out to capture the scene at Branford Point.

Eversource reports very spotty outages throughout the state; all involving fewer than 25 customers in any given location.

The snow seems to be falling in bands with intermittent periods of heavy snow, which is expected to continue until 7 – 8 p.m. There’s a big disparity in terms of accumulation with the shoreline expected to receive 10 and 14 inches of snow.

According to the National Weather Service, snow within the bands could fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour with blizzard conditions continuing at the immediate coast, and near blizzard conditions a bit inland.” Some folks ventured out, especially those with an adventurous spirit like our photographer Bill O’Brien and his grandson who took their dogs for a run. 

Here’s Tuukka, whose name you all know from a famous hockey goalie who plays in another state.

Remember that during this snowstorm and for 24 hours after the snow storm there is no parking in Branford on the even side of the roadway. Violators will be towed at the owner’s expense, the police department said.

Some folks in Branford were determined to take their walk.

New York City

For the Connecticut commuter, service on the Metro-North Railroad, the Long Island Rail Road and above-ground NYC Subway service is suspended as of 4 p.m. today due to deteriorating weather conditions and concerns for customer and employee safety. Crews and snow fighting equipment are working to keep platforms and rails clear of ice and snow.Officials have not said when the suspension will be lifted. 

Meteorologists have said all along that the amount of snow will vary greatly according to the track of the storm. According to latest reports, New York City is expected to receive 24 to 28 inches. Mayor Bill de Blasio said as of 4 p.m. there was 19.3 inches of snow in Central Park.

As a result, NYC Transit and MTA bus have suspended all local, limited, and express bus service, and there is a travel ban within the city. According to the New York Times, the city faces days of digging out.

The good news is that tomorrow is supposed to be fine for cleanup, sunny and breezy.

Morning Flood and Blizzard Warnings

This morning Branford woke up to a strong, steady, and windy snowstorm. Coastal flood warnings were in effect for the daytime high tide. So far no power outages have been reported in town.

Both coastal flood warnings and blizzard warnings are now in effect for Branford and the shoreline as the year’s first major snowstorm takes hold, with high winds, drifting snow and poor or near zero visibility getting worse. Blizzard conditions will continue into Saturday night. That didn’t seem to stop some drivers. 

Heavy snow is expected this afternoon as Branford and other shoreline towns prepare for what might be more than a foot of snow. While the temperature is recorded at 28 degrees, it feels like 6 degrees out there, Accuweather reports.

Eversource, which serves 1.2 million customers in Connecticut, reported 63 power outages as of noon in the towns of Canton, Greenwich and Harwinton.

Shortly before noon Eversource left recorded phone messages assuring customers that the company ​“is ready” to handle this storm. If a power line goes down, Eversource told customers to dial 911. ​“Don’t drive over downed power lines,” the message added. 

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove says the town is well-prepared for its first major snow storm. Cosgrove told the Eagle yesterday that back-up sub-contractors are lined up in case they are needed to clear the roads.

In an interview Cosgrove said that the town’s public works department and police department emergency operations are ready for the storm.
Asked if the town planned to open shelters, Cosgrove said, ​“not at this time.” He said if many residents in sections of town lose power, then the town will mobilize shelters. If one or two homes are in need, that will be handled separately, he added.

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning this morning, which ends at 2 p.m. the period of high tide in Branford. Coastal flooding along the shoreline is expected, perhaps up to 3 feet or higher than the normal high tide. The blizzard warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Sunday.

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