Danbury Snowstorm Parking Ban Extended, Schools Closed: UPDATE

DANBURY, CT — Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves said this weekend that crews are preparing for a blizzard, with warming shelters open, and residents urged to sign up for alerts.

Meanwhile, Danbury Public Schools announced on Sunday morning that schools are closed for Monday, Feb. 23.

Meanwhile, the City of Danbury parking ban has been extended through Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 3:30 p.m.

The Bardo and Patriot Parking garages, as well as floors 1 and 2 of the Danbury Mall garage, will remain available for free parking through Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

All vehicles must be removed from these garages after 3:30 p.m., or parking charges will apply.

Alves said city officials were prepared for a significant winter storm expected to begin affecting the region Sunday afternoon through Monday, with a blizzard warning in effect.

Alves said he met with the city’s emergency management team, public works, police, fire, and health department to coordinate response efforts.

“Coordinated preparations are already underway,” Alves said in a statement.

He said DPW crews are preparing plows and equipment, the healthdepartment is planning for potential community impacts, and emergency management officials are communicating with state and utility partners.

Alves urged residents to prepare for a parking ban as conditions continue to be monitored.

The City of Danbury has declared a Level 2 Snow Emergency ahead of a winter storm expected to bring significant snowfall from Sunday, Feb. 22, through Monday, Feb. 23.

Alves announced the emergency declaration effective at 8 a.m., citing forecasts calling for heavy snow across the region.

Under a Level 2 Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all city roads beginning Sunday at 10 a.m.

Officials said all vehicles must be removed to allow the Public Works Department to treat and clear streets. Towing operations will begin no later than 10 a.m. Sunday is for vehicles left on the road.

Free parking will be available starting at midnight at the Bardo and Patriot garages. In addition, through an agreement with Danbury Fair Mall, residents may park on floors one and two of the mall garage at Danbury Fair.

The free parking period will remain in effect through 4 p.m. Monday. Parking is prohibited in Danbury Public Schools parking lots, city officials said.

City leaders are urging residents to travel only if necessary on Sunday and Monday morning. Alves said a travel ban on city roads could be issued depending on snowfall totals.

Officials also reminded residents not to plow snow into city streets while clearing driveways and asked for assistance in clearing snow around nearby fire hydrants.

In addition, the city's pro indoor soccer team, Spice City FC, has postponed its game on Sunday, and classes at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury are canceled on Monday.

Warming shelters open

City officials announced that overnight and daytime warming shelters are available for anyone in need.

The overnight shelter is located at the United Jewish Center, 141 Deer Hill Ave.

Daytime shelters are open at the Danbury Support Center, 41 New St., and 98 Elm St.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for DanburyAlert to receive real-time updates from the city. Information about enrolling is available on the City of Danbury website.

To sign up for City of Danbury emergency alerts, click on this link.