New Details Released On Power Outages, Crashes Amid Blizzard In CT

Thousands are without power in Connecticut as of mid-day Monday due to the blizzard, and police have responded to several accidents and calls to help stranded motorists.

Connecticut Emergency Management Director William Turner led a briefing for the media at 11:30 a.m. Monday detailing the impact of the blizzard so far.

Approximately 15,000 customers were out of power as of mid-day Monday, officials said, and they expect this number may increase as the day progresses.

Snow and high winds are predicted for much of the day today, followed by gradual clearing. Between one and two feet of snow is forecast for most of the state.

Utility companies have brought in crews from nearby states and Canada to help with power restoration, which could take as long as between two and five days, depending on the extent of the outages, officials said.

“We will know more as the storm ends,” Turner said.

State police reported responding to about 250 motor vehicle-related calls for assistance as of mid-Monday. This included vehicles that slid off the road and jackknifed tractor trailers. Troopers have responded to 82 accidents, with two involving minor injuries and zero fatalities, as of mid-day, state police said.

Read More:

• Town-By-Town Snow Totals Released For CT: How Much Did You Get From This Blizzard?
• Town-By-Town Power Outages Across CT As Blizzard Hammers The State
• Blizzard Rages On In CT: Here’s How Much More Snow To Expect And When It Ends

Travel ban is still in place

Police cautioned that Gov. Ned Lamont has put a commercial travel ban in place until further notice. If people comply, it will make it easier for crews to clear roadways, improving safety, state police said.

“We want to emphasize the importance of staying off the roads,” Turner said. “While a full travel ban is not in effect, traveling is still very treacherous.”

Connecticut remains under a state of emergency due to the weather until further notice.

Severe Weather Protocol

Lamont has activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, which will remain in effect until at least noon on Tuesday. Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided. Officials reported receiving more than 200 calls as of mid-day Monday for the service.

State officials said the blizzard has brought heavy, wet snow to the state, and they urged residents to take frequent breaks and stay hydrated while shoveling.

Here are the current crashes/closures still active across Connecticut, according to the DOT:

WALLINGFORD - Crash (Jackknifed) on I-91 Northbound between Exits 13 and 14. The left and center lanes are closed. Reported Monday, February 23 at 2:37 pm.

BEACON FALLS - CT-42, Both Directions CLOSED between Munson Road and Feldspar Avenue due to tree down on wires. Reported Monday, February 23 at 2:02 am.

DARIEN - Route 106 Hoyt Street CLOSED both directions between Miller Road and Briar Brae Road because of a tree down in wires. Reported Monday, February 23 at 5:06 am.

BRIDGEPORT - Route 130 Fairfield Avenue CLOSED both directions at Gilman Street because of a tree down in wires. Reported Monday, February 23 at 5:25 am.

GUILFORD - Route 77 Durham Road CLOSED (Both Directions) between Prospect Hill Road and Hubbard Road because of a tree down in wires. Reported Monday, February 23 at 5:33 am.

MARLBOROUGH - CT-66, Both Directions CLOSED between Flood Rd & Rhonda Way because of a tree down in wires. Reported Monday, February 23 at 2:10 pm.