HARTFORD — Governor Ned Lamont announced yesterday that the duration of the state’s currently enacted Severe Cold Weather Protocol to remain in effect until noon on Thursday, February 5.

This comes after an updated weather forecast indicating that this stretch of brutally frigid temperatures Connecticut is experiencing will remain for at least another ten days.

A full story on the recent major snow storm will run in this week's Newtown Bee.

The Severe Cold Weather Protocol was initially enacted on Friday, January 23, and had been originally set to expire on Wednesday, January 28. However, the updated forecast now indicates that bitterly cold weather will remain even longer, with well below normal temperatures persisting into the middle of next week.

Overnight temperatures over the next several days will largely dip into the single digits, even reaching below zero on several nights.

With yesterday's extension, this current activation will become the longest duration of time that Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol has been consistently in effect without interruption for a single period in more than a decade.

Lamont said what Connecticut is experiencing right now is an "uninterrupted, long-duration cold spell that [the state] hasn’t seen in many years."

He added, "Shelters and warming centers are open throughout the state, and we are working with our municipal and nonprofit partners to ensure they have the resources to help anyone who needs this support."

The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.

While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

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 if necessary.

Local Numbers & Information

Newtown residents are reminded of local important numbers & 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, 800-286-2000, or (when possible) report through the utility's website, eversource.com;

Emergency Management/Office of the Fire Marshal: 203-270-4370;

Health District: 203-270-4291;

CodeRED: register at 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: register at Emergency Management on the Public Safety page on the Town of Newtown’s website (newtown-ct.gov/emergency-management); and

Check News and Announcements on the Town website (newtown-ct.gov). Residents can also register to receive news at newtown-ct.gov/subscribe.