Town officials have been working with state officials this weekend ahead of a winter storm that is expected to arrive in the area on Sunday and remain for most of Monday.

On behalf of the local Emergency Management Team, Deputy Emergency Management Director Maureen Will is asking all residents to visit grocery stores and gas stations today, then get home and stay home by Sunday afternoon.

“We know everyone’s out today, we’ve seen it,” Will told The Newtown Bee last Saturday afternoon. “That’s good. Keep planning, and stay safe.

“Confidence is good this weather event will hit us,” she continued. “Please be off the roads and stay off the roads well before this gets here.”

Blizzard Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for Long Island, New York City and southern Connecticut, valid Sunday morning, February 22, through Monday afternoon, February 23.

For Newtown specifically, a NWS Blizzard Warning will be in effect from 1 pm Sunday through 6 pm Monday.

Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for interior southern Connecticut, the Lower Hudson Valley, southern Westchester and New York City. The weather services is calling this a “major coastal storm” with the potential of 1-2 inches per hour expected by Sunday night, with higher rates of 2+ inches per hour possible.

The NWS Situation Overview issued at 5 am February 21 gave the storm’s timing as developing Sunday morning and afternoon, possibly mixed briefly with rain at the start closer to the coast; periods of heavy snow Sunday night through Monday morning; and snow likely tapering late Monday morning into Monday afternoon.

Winds will increase regionwide Sunday evening. The strongest winds will develop closer to the coast toward midnight Sunday night and continue into Monday, then decrease Monday afternoon into evening, also according to the weather service.

Locally, snow is likely on Sunday mainly after 4 pm, according to NWS. Wind chill value will be between 15-20 degrees. Winds will be blustery, northeast 13-18 mph, increasing to 19-24 mph after midnight.

Chance of precipitation on Sunday is 100% with new snow accumulation of 7-11 inches possible.

Snow will continue, heavy at times, on Monday. Temperatures will be a steady 28 degrees, wind chill values will be between 10-15. North winds will be 22-26 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Monday’s chance of precipitation is 90%, with another 4-8 inches possible.

There is a 40% chance of snow before 10 pm Monday, and areas of blowing snow before 1 am. Tuesday should dawn sunny, with a high near 30, according to the weather service.

Will says the snow will be heavy and wet. She cautions against trying to shovel during the storm.

“Don’t shovel right away,” she said. “You won’t be able to keep up with it.”

With the expected winds, the deputy emergency management director reminds everyone to plan for power outages.

“We don’t have leaves on the trees, but with the wind that’s expected we can still lose power,” she said.

“Have backup plans and go-kits ready,” she added. “Check on your neighbors, and make tomorrow a family day.”

Governor's Statement

Governor Ned Lamont is also urging Connecticut residents to prepare for the potential of blizzard conditions impacting the state Sunday into Monday.

Various weather models are forecasting the southern half of Connecticut may receive anywhere from between 16 to 22 inches of snow, according to the Office of the Governor, while the northern half of the state may receive between 10 to 16 inches.

Very strong wind gusts that are expected to impact the entire state, with gusts exceeding 50 miles per hour at times. Moderate coastal flooding is also expected at times of high tide.

The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm containing heavy or blowing snow with winds in excess of 35 miles per hour for at least three hours and visibilities frequently less than a quarter mile.

Lamont said the forecast “changed very quickly over the last 24 hours, and now it appears that we have a significant storm heading in our direction that is likely to bring blizzard conditions.

“In addition to high rates of snowfall, the particular concern with this storm are the very strong wind gusts, which will make travel extremely dangerous and will cause visibility to be very low. I am urging everyone to plan ahead and stay off the roads on Sunday night and through at least Monday morning. We are monitoring the forecast as it evolves, and I advise everyone to stay alert for updates throughout the weekend,” the governor added.

The Connecticut Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will have in-person, partial activation at 5 pm Sunday to monitor conditions and quickly respond to any needs that arise.

Located in Hartford, the EOC is the state’s central emergency management hub, where state leaders, agencies, and partners coordinate information, resources, and strategies to manage emergency situations. Additionally, the state’s five regional emergency management offices will also become partially activated on Sunday in locations across the state.

Under the state’s emergency management plan, a partial activation means EOC partners from several of the primary state agencies that are responsible for managing emergency situations will be coordinating continually during the storm.

A full activation, should it be needed, requires additional state agencies to participate. Those agencies remain on standby and are providing assistance as needed, according to the governor’s statement.

Governor Also Urging Motorists To Use Caution

Lamont on Saturday also noted The Connecticut Department of Transportation has more than 600 snowplows and specialized equipment ready for deployment statewide. Crews will work around the clock as needed to clear snow and ice and restore safe travel conditions.

Motorists are strongly urged to plan ahead and avoid travel during the height of the storm. If drivers must be on the roads, they are urged to use the following tips:

*Delay travel if possible.

Staying home during the storm is the safest option.

*Slow down.

Reduce speed and allow extra time to stop on snow or ice-covered roads.

*Leave extra space.

Increase following distance between vehicles, especially behind snowplows.

When approaching a snowplow, motorists are urged to give plows space. Stay well behind plows and avoid their blind spots, especially in the rear corners.

Never pass in active plowing zones. Passing snowplows can reduce visibility and increase the risk of collisions with thrown snow or the plow itself.

Be patient. Plows often drive slowly to clear snow effectively; crowding or tailgating can endanger both drivers and operators.

*Be vehicle-ready.

Keep fuel tanks full or electric vehicles charged and ensure tires and lights are in good condition.

*Pack emergency supplies.

Carry blankets, water, food, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a first aid kit.

*Never drive impaired.

Winter conditions demand full attention and alertness at all times.

*Stay informed.

Monitor forecasts and check real-time traffic and road conditions at CTroads.org before traveling.

Those using public transportation are encouraged to sign up for alert notifications with their transit operators, as schedule changes and service disruptions are likely during the storm.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.

Local Emergency 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.