Blizzard Warning Issued In CT As Snow Accumulation Estimates Skyrocket

Up to 18 inches of snow is possible in parts of Connecticut, and a blizzard warning has also been issued for coastal parts of the state.

The range in snow accumulation estimates is 7 inches in Litchfield County and all the way up to 18 inches in coastal sections of southern Connecticut. Most of the state will see around a foot of snow with strong wind gusts.

Snow is forecast to break out Sunday during the day, though the snow will be light, but it will really pick up in intensity on Sunday night and Monday morning.

A storm that appeared to be a miss just two days ago is now definitely a major problem for the state.

Here are the latest updates from the National Weather Service based on where you are:

Coastal sections of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties: A blizzard warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. "Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 13 and 18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph."

"Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage.

"Strongest winds and blizzard conditions are expected (from) Sunday night into Monday. However, snow will move in during the morning and afternoon hours."

"Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you."

Inland sections of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties: A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. "Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 11 and 15 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph."

"Strongest winds are expected Sunday night into Monday. However, snow will move in during the morning and afternoon hours."

Hartford, Tolland, and Windham counties: A winter storm watch is in effect from Sunday morning through Tuesday morning. "Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 8 and 13 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph."

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches."

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Litchfield County: A winter storm watch is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon. "Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations over 7 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph."

"Blowing and drifting snow could occur Monday morning as wind gusts increase to cause a quick reduction in visibility."

Local weather experts offer their predictions

"As the coastal storm ramps up Sunday night, it peaks around daybreak Monday. After differing model solutions this entire week, we finally have some agreement...there is greater confidence in a high impact storm. Travel will be disrupted and provided we’re forecasting over 6″ of snow (8-18″) for most of CT...," said WFSB 3 TV meteorologists. Actually, some communities could pick up a foot or more!"

The snow is forecast to be "heavy/wet" in nature. "Snowfall rates could exceed 1-2″/hr and thundersnow can’t be ruled out either," said WFSB 3 TV meteorologists."

NBC Connecticut meteorologists are forecasting 10 to 20 inches across the state. Fox 61 meteorologists are predicting 10 to 18 inches of snow for most of the state and 18 to 24 inches of snow in far eastern portions of the state.

Read more at WFSB 3 TV, NBC CT and Fox 61.