From Connecticut State Police Lt. J. Paul Vance:
The national weather service is forecasting a major snowstorm and possible blizzard conditions for Connecticut beginning Friday morning, with worsening conditions for Friday afternoon and into the evening.
The Connecticut State Police are reminding motorists that a heavy snowstorm means that highways can become extremely slippery and treacherous. All vehicles, trucks, SUVs and passenger cars may become disabled and unable to move, blocking lanes of the road and preventing DOT plows from treating and plowing the highways.
As the storm is expected to intensify, State Police recommend that all motorists stay off the roads and highways during this storm to prevent major traffic issues. Wreckers will be utilized to respond as necessary to clear any road blockages.
In anticipation of the storm Friday, the Connecticut State Police has made preparations to do everything possible to keep all of the roads and highways open across the state. Troopers with Emergency equipment and all four-wheel drive vehicles will be deployed to strategic locations across Connecticut. They are prepared to respond to any and all emergencies. Normal patrols force of troopers will be supplements with additional manpower to enable a quicker and immediate response to any issue or emergency. All Off-duty Troopers have been placed on stand-by and have been ordered to be prepared to be called for immediate duty if necessary.
As the storm is expected to intensify, Troopers recommend that all motorists stay off the roads and highways during this storm. Wreckers will be utilized to respond as necessary to clear any road blockages caused by accidents or disabled vehicles.
Motorists should refrain from traveling on the roads during this storm. If travel is necessary during this storm, the Connecticut State Police recommend that you ensure that your vehicle is “storm ready” with proper tires, adequate gas and proper wipers. If you must travel during the storm, provide your route of travel details to a family member or friend. Motorists are also encouraged to check media reports prior to traveling to gather the latest updates on road conditions and possible closures. Motorists should have a fully-charged cell phone, bottles of water, nourishment bars or other non-perishable food, extra clothes, a shovel, flares and blankets in case of emergency.
During any snow storm, reducing speed and expanding distances between cars is an absolute necessity for safe driving. If you become involved in an accident on the highway move your vehicle to a safe location and contact police.
If your vehicle becomes stranded or stuck stay in your vehicle and do not try to walk to safety. Call 911 for help from your cell phone. Run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Open a window slightly for fresh air and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
