UPDATE (Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 4:05 pm): The National Weather Service has extended the Squall Warning to 4:30. At 3:59 the squall was located along a line that extended from Torrington to near Ridgefield to near White Plains, moving east at 35 mph. 

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In addition to a Wind Advisory and Wind Chill Advisory issued earlier today, the National Weather Service (NWS) has now issued a Snow Squall Warning that includes Newtown in its coverage area. The warning is in effect until 4 pm.

From the weather service: “At 2:55 pm EST, a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from near Kerhonkson [New York] to near Florence-Roebling [New Jersey], moving east at 35 mph.”

Whiteout conditions, including zero visibility in snow and blowing snow, with wind gusts to 50 mph, are all possible according to NWS.

The weather service is strongly encouraging the avoidance or delay of travel “until the snow squall passes your location. If you must travel, use extra caution and allow extra time. Rapid changes in visibility and slick road conditions may lead to accidents.”

Reducing speed and turning on headlights are also suggested.

“During snow squalls, the visibility may suddenly drop to near zero in whiteout conditions,” the weather service is reminding residents in the affected area, which also includes areas of southeastern New York. 

Wet roadways will quickly freeze. Black ice will cause roads, bridges and overpasses to become slick and dangerous. Slow down and be prepared for sudden loss of traction, according to NWS.

The weather service on Wednesday afternoon said that “an upper level low centered over the Great Lakes driving the blast of Arctic air from the Upper Midwest eastward into the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast will stay put through tomorrow.”

Temperatures in the Northeast will plummet to just below zero on Thursday. They will feel even colder thanks to strong winds expected through the weekend. Those temperatures can create life-threatening conditions, which had led the Town of Newtown to issue a Severe Cold Weather Alert. 

“This is a gentle reminder to remain vigilant about cold weather preparedness,” the notice released Wednesday afternoon by First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and the Emergency Management Team stated in part. “We know its winter and we live in New England, but we don’t want anyone to suffer complications from the cold.”

The town officials are encouraging residents to make appropriate preparations to ensure personal safety and readiness for themselves, family members, and pets. 

“We ask that you please check on any elderly or frail neighbors to be certain they are doing OK in this weather,” the notice continued.

Residents are welcome at the locations listed below to seek relief from the cold:

Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street within Fairfield Hills, Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 8 pm; and Friday 8 am to 5 pm;

Cyrenius H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street (203-426-4533), open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 8 pm; Friday, 11 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 12 to 5 pm; 

Newtown Senior Center, 14 Riverside Road (203-270-4310), open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm; and 

Edmond Town Hall Theatre, 45 Main Street, which is open 8 am to 11 pm (call 203 426-2475 or visit NewtownBee.com/calendar for movie listings). 

Important numbers and contact information:

If there is a Life Safety Emergency, call 911;

Connecticut’s free information and referral service: call 211 or visit 211ct.org;

Power outage, call Eversource at 800-286-2000;

CodeRED, register under Emergency Management on the Public Safety page on the Town of Newtown’s website (newtown-ct.gov/emergency-management ) or call 203-270-4370 for assistance;

Smart 911, which can also be accested through the Emergency Management on the Public Safety page on the Town of Newtown’s website (newtown-ct.gov/emergency-management);

Check News on the Town website (newtown-ct.gov), where residents are also encouraged to register to receive news from Town officials;

First Selectman’s office, 203-270-4201;

Emergency Management/Fire Marshal, 203-270-4370;

Newtown Health District, 203- 270-4291; and 

The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, contact Associate Editor Shannon Hicks (203-426-3141 or shannon@thebee.com) with postponement or cancellation notices. Watch The Newtown Bee website and social media pages (Facebook and Twitter) for storm updates as well.