As a major winter storm continues to keep Newtown and the region nearly paralyzed due to heavy precipitation and dangerous conditions, First Selectman Bruce Walczak and Newtown Police Chief David Kullgren have issued an update and request:

“The second round of snow is upon us. However, the next hours are supposed to be tough, then onto the cleanup,” the statement, released around 1:15 pm Monday, said in part.

“We are staffed appropriately here at the PD.

“Our two large 4x4 vehicles are ready and waiting if needed.

“Parks and Rec are doing a great job of keeping the Police Department open, thank you.

“I just popped in on dispatch. Nothing notable to report.

“Eversource is currently showing 20 customers affected by power outages.

“Fortunately most residents are listening to our request to avoid all travel.

“The roads are what you expect in a blizzard, treacherous.

“We blasted out another community update this morning on the blizzard to keep residents updated.

“Everyone, please stay safe.”

The latest notice from these town officials adds to a growing chorus of requests from their contemporaries, who have been asking residents since Saturday to plan and prepare, and then remain off the roads not only during but also immediately after the storm, to allow plows to clear snow.

The National Weather Service says areas of blowing snow are expected through the afternoon. Skies will be cloudy, with a high near 31; wind chill values will between 15-20. Winds will be blustery, with a north wind around 23 mph, and gusts as high as 40 mph.

Patchy blowing snow is expected to continue tonight. Skies will remain cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 17, and wind chill values between 5-10. Winds will be blustery, with a northwest wind 13-21 mph, and with gusts as high as 34 mph.

There is a chance of snow showers between 1 and 4 am Tuesday, then snow likely after 4 am; chance of precipitation is 60% with new snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Overnight skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 30. Wind chill values will be between 5 and 15 mph; northwest winds will be 8-11 mph.