Storm Hub: Malloy Lifts Travel Ban [UPDATED]

Update, 1:18 a.m., Feb. 10

Gov. Dannel Malloy submitted a request to the White House asking for a presidential declaration of emergency for Connecticut.

"As we continue with the recovery from this historic winter storm, I am asking the federal government to provide us assistance with this process," Malloy said. "If granted, this declaration would provide much needed help to our state."

Many counties in Connecticut may have received record or near-record snowfall, according to a release from the state. A request to the federal government for aid allows for an addition in commodities like snow removal equipment and generators.

Update, 3:45 p.m. Feb. 9:

The travel ban in Connecticut will be lifted at 4 p.m. This will apply to all roads, including limited access highways, according to an announcement from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

"While we are lifting the ban on travel this afternoon at 4 p.m., I still want to urge residents to stay off the roads if at all possible," Malloy said. "Crews are out clearing roadways as we speak, but the fact is we are going to feel the impact of this storm for some time. The longer we can keep traffic out of town centers and off of our highways, the more effective our recovery effort will be."

Update, 12 p.m. Feb. 9:

Governor Malloy says cleanup from the historic blizzard could take "a number of days." [Full story here.]

The storm has been blamed on at least two deaths, one in Prospect in which an elderly woman was reportedly hit by a car while snow blowing her driveway, and a 49-year-old Shelton man died while shoveling his driveway.

A death in Danbury [noted in the updatebelow] may also be connected to the storm.

Update, 10:50 a.m. Feb. 9:

Danbury detectives are on their way to a Forest Avenue home where a man is believed to have died after falling off his porch sometime Friday night or Saturday morning, said Shift Commander Michael Sturdevant. The death has not been deemed suspicious, just untimely, police said.

Update, 9:25 a.m. Feb. 9:

The Woodbridge Library is closed today.

Update, 5:55 a.m. Feb. 9:

Gov. Malloy has ordered all roads in Connecticut closed until further notice. This traffic ban extends to all vehicles except for those emergency response and recovery vehicles with the capacity to maneuver in heavy snow.

"It's critical right now that residents stay off the roads, so that our plows can continue their efforts to clear our streets and highways," said Governor Malloy. "This is a record setting storm. It's going to take time to dig out of the snow. Stalled or abandoned vehicles will only slow that process. Unless you face an emergency, please stay put."

Update, 12:42 a.m. Feb. 9:

During the overnight hours of Friday into Saturday, the National Weather Service reports that snowfall rates of two to four inches per hour are expected. Low visibility and gusty winds make for unsafe travel conditions.

Saturday's Daytime Forecast: Snow likely, mainly before noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 25. Blustery, with a northwest wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Update, 3:40 p.m. Feb. 8:

A ban on motor vehicle travel on limited access highways in the State of Connecticut will take effect beginning at 4 p.m., Gov. Dannel P. Malloy just announced. 

These prohibitions do not extend to emergency response and recovery vehicles, including public safety vehicles, utility vehicles, and vehicles carrying essential personnel or supplies.

“As the weather gets worse over the next few hours, we need to keep the roads clear, so that emergency-related personnel and utility crews can reach those that may need our help,” Malloy said. “By traveling in these conditions, you are not only putting yourself in danger, but you are potentially risking the lives of first responders, utility workers and other residents. Please be safe.”

The travel ban, coordinated with Massachusetts and New York, will remain in effect until further notice.

12:13 p.m. Feb. 8

The Center Building shelter, 4 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge, is opening at 3 p.m. today and will stay open as needed. Contact the emergency operations shelter at 203-387-2512, ext. 27, for more information on the shelter or any storm-related questions.

Woodbridge Town Hall closed at noon. The Woodbridge Transfer Station is closed tomorrow.

Update as of 11:12 a.m. on Feb. 8

Governor Dannel P. Malloy will declare a state of emergency in preparation for the coming blizzard which is anticipated to heavily impact the state Friday and Saturday.

Lmited access highways may be subject to closure as early as noon. Malloy is asking all residents to limit nonessential travel.

"People need to take this storm seriously," he said in a press release. "If current predictions are accurate, we will need people to stay off the roads so that emergency personnel and utility crews can get to the places they need to get to, and to make sure that our plows can keep critical roadways clear. Please stay home once the weather gets bad except in the case of real emergency."

 The CT DMV and AAA offices are closed Saturday, Feb. 9, according to the DMV website. AAA offices statewide are closing at noon Friday for DMV transactions. The company will be taking calls for roadside assistance.

Update as of 10:05 a.m. on Feb. 8:

Bethany Town Hall offices and recycling we will be closing at noon today. Recycling will also be closed tomorrow.

There will be no Parks and Recreation activities today and tomorrow, as well.

In Woodbridge, no decision has been made yet on a possible early closing of Town Hall offices. It's suggested that residents call ahead at 203-389-3400.

In addition, the Woodbridge Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, Feb. 9, due to storm. The Transfer Station will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 12, regular hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Update as of 10:02 a.m. on Feb. 8

The Woodbridge Fire Department reminds residents to clear the snow near fire hydrants, if you have one near your home, so it can be accessed quickly.

The JCC New Haven Fitness Center is closing at 11 a.m., according to its Facebook page.

Update as of 9:15 a.m. on Feb. 8:

Bradley International Airport has cancelled all flights after 1:30 p.m. today pending further notice.

Update as of 2:17 a.m. on Feb. 8:

The latest National Weather Service forecast is calling for snow accumulations of 14 to 22 inches over the course of the day.

Update as of 8:52 p.m. on Feb. 7:

Bethany Community School and the Woodbridge School District schools will be closed on Friday, Feb. 8, due to the blizzard.

All Amity Schools are closed on Friday. And all activities for Saturday, Feb. 9, are cancelled.

Bethany school activites are also cancelled. All Woodbridge school offices will be closed.

Update as of 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 7:

The blizzard is the hot topic at Blue Check, for employees and customers.

Update as of 6:20 p.m. on Feb. 7:

Town Hall offices in Bethany and Woodbridge have not made a decision yet about whether they will be open tomorrow. The school systems have also not yet announced any closures or alternate schedules.

The original report follows:

A blizzard is coming.

Bethany and Woodbridge will likely get hit with a major snowstorm Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

We'll be posting everything you need to know — from the latest local weather forecast to safety tips, and possible school and road closures — in this article so you have it all in one place.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Friday night, forecasting "significant snowfall and strong winds with near blizzard conditions likely."

Here's the NWS forecast for Friday:

• Snow before 3 p.m., then rain, snow, and sleet. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. High near 35. East wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
• Friday Night Snow with areas of blowing snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 20. Blustery, with a north wind 17 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.

Stay with Patch for weather updates, road conditions and closings and cancellations.