Winter Storm Targets Oxford: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare

OXFORD, CT — Town officials say Oxford crews are prepared for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and hazardous travel, with plow operations planned throughout the event and guidance issued for residents.

Preparedness And Local Operations

According to Oxford's Director of Public Works, Wayne Watt, the town currently has approximately 700 tons of salt on hand, which officials say is sufficient for a multi-day storm. Town residents may obtain salt for personal use at the Public Works facility at 21 Great Oak Road; contractors are not permitted to take salt.

During peak operations, the town expects to have 16 plow trucks on the road with 16 drivers assigned to plowing operations. At this time, no parking bans are scheduled in Oxford.

Watt said one of the most common misconceptions during major storms is that plow drivers can always clearly see cars, pedestrians, and equipment. During severe weather, visibility can be significantly reduced by snowfall, wind, and lighting conditions. Residents are urged to give plows plenty of space, use caution at the end of driveways while snow is blowing, and limit time on the roads during active plowing.

Guidance For Residents

Town officials said the single most important thing residents can do to help plow operations is to stay off the roads whenever possible and remain patient as crews work to clear streets. Residents are also asked not to push or leave snow from driveways in the roadway, as doing so creates safety hazards and slows plowing efforts.

True hazards such as downed trees or impassable roads should be reported immediately to the Police or Fire Department, Public Works, or the appropriate utility company, including Eversource, Comcast, or Frontier. Residents may report issues by phone, email, or online forms, but officials strongly recommend calling for urgent or hazardous situations to ensure the fastest response.

National Weather Service Forecast

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for interior Connecticut from early Sunday through Monday afternoon. Forecasters say inland communities such as Oxford could see heavy, plowable snow, with snowfall rates potentially exceeding one inch per hour at times, especially Sunday night. Travel is expected to be difficult due to snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.

Local TV Forecast And Timing

Local television meteorologists are largely aligned on the storm’s timing and expected impact.

Meteorologists at WFSB say snow is expected to begin late Sunday morning, intensify through the afternoon, and peak Sunday night into early Monday, with more than a foot of snow possible inland.

At WTNH, forecasters say snow should develop around 8 a.m. Sunday and continue into Monday morning, with roughly 12 to 15 inches possible across interior Connecticut.

Meteorologists at NBC Connecticut say snow will move into the state from the south around midday Sunday, with total accumulations potentially reaching 10 to 18 inches by the time the storm tapers off Monday. NBC Connecticut says the worst travel conditions are expected Sunday night.

At FOX61, forecasters say confidence continues to increase that inland areas will see a foot or more of snow, with dangerous travel likely from Sunday afternoon through early Monday.

Town officials urged residents to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm, and give plow crews the space they need to safely clear Oxford’s roads.