nothin New Haven Independent | Fierce Blizzard Hits Branford

Fierce Blizzard Hits Branford

Sally E. Bahner Photo

Mollie at the window.

A major blizzard with strong frigid winds hit Branford early Thursday morning. According to meteorologists, the storm is expected to undergo rapid strengthening, referred to as bombogenesis or a bomb cyclone. The Weather Channel, which thrives on such reporting, dubbed the storm, Grayson.” Despite the television catching terms it seems a lot like a strong Nor’easter to us.

Meteorologists say winds are gusting in excess of 50 mph. Tides are a little higher than normal.

All Branford schools are closed and public activities and meetings have been canceled for today.

Marcia Chambers Photo

Predictions are for a foot of snow along with fierce winds, ice and blizzard conditions. Rapid accumulation is evident and a Blizzard Warning remains in effect for New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties.

Don’t Drive Today

Traffic on major roads appears to be minimal. Wind conditions make visibility extremely difficult on slippery, icy roads. Visibility is virtually nil, television reporters in the field said.

Locally, plows have been out since the early morning hours.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy urged residents not to drive today. So far this morning the state police report 25 accidents, according to News 8.

More than a foot of heavy snow is expected throughout the state today with snow falling at rates of up to four inches per hour in some areas of the state. Coastal flooding is expected followed by extreme cold this weekend. 

Branford Police Capt. Geoffrey Morgan said the police department is asking all residents to voluntarily avoid parking on the roadway. A town ordinance prohibits parking on the even side of the roadway during and for 24 hours after a snowfall.

Morgan said yesterday that snow should be cleared from the area where water heaters, dryers and other appliances vent outside a house. If your CO2 alarm activates he asks that evacuation take place and that someone call 911.

If sheltering is required because of extended power outages the town will activate an emergency shelter at Branford High school, at 185 East Main St. Call 203 – 315-3909 to determine if the shelter is open.

We will have updates on this story.

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