With a winter storm bearing down on the state, a press release from the governor’s office said, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is urging residents to take it slow and, if possible, avoid travel during the height of the storm on Monday morning. The release also said Malloy has also directed the activation of the state’s Emergency Operations Center at 4 a.m. on Monday to monitor conditions across the state and quickly coordinate any assistance that may be necessary.
In addition, the governor has ordered a delayed opening for state offices on Monday, Feb. 2,, and is directing nonessential state employees to report to work at 10 a.m.
“I am asking everyone to take it slow for tomorrow’s commutes and if possible to avoid travel during the height of the storm Monday morning,” Malloy said in the press release. “I have asked all state employees to report to work at 10 a.m. so that the DOT can clear the roads without the usual morning rush hour traffic. Private sector companies may want to consider similar plans.”
He continued, according to the release, “We are also taking steps to make sure that we can take care of those in need of shelter. I urge anyone in need of shelter to call 2-1-1 and continue to encourage local communities to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to help people in need.”
Last week, the release said, the governor activated the state’s severe cold weather protocol through Feb. 8, which directs the DESPP’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Department of Housing to coordinate with 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the state’s most vulnerable people are protected from the severe cold weather.
“State emergency management officials continue to prepare for the potential impacts of this storm and continue to provide me with regular updates,” Malloy said in the news release.
The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for the entire state from this evening through Monday afternoon, said the release. Total accumulations are currently forecast to range from 6 to 10 inches in Southern CT, 8 to 12 inches, just south of the 1-84 corridor, and 10 to 14 inches across Northern Connecticut with some slightly higher amounts in the Northwest Hills, said the release from the governor’s office.