Prepare For Stretch Of Wintry Weather, Norwalk Police Say

The stormiestweather of the New Year is making its way toward the East Coast, and with it, expected back-to-back winter storms that may bring several inches of snow to the area, along with icy roads and potential power outages.

Officials in Norwalk are encouraging area residents to be cautious in advance of the expected storm.
Photo Credit: *Norwalk Police Department*

Zak Failla

01/17/2019 4:30 p.m.

Related story: Back-to-back storms will be followed by ice, Arctive blast

The first storm is expected to strike overnight on Thursday, Jan. 17, bringing between one and four inches of snow accumulation, with higher amounts anticipated for northern municipalities. The snow is expected to start at approximately 11 p.m. and last through the morning, when rain will take over.

A second storm has been projected to hit the area on Saturday afternoon, bringing snow, rain and sleet that could make driving dangerous in the area.

In advance of the expected winter weather, emergency officials in Norwalk offered a series of common-sense tips for area residents to make sure they stay safe and don't wind up stuck out in the cold:

Stay off the roads as much as possible. Give DPW plow drivers time to clear the roads safely before heading out. Make sure to have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle as well as a disaster supply kit in your car;
Remove vehicles from the street. If a snow emergency is declared, vehicle owners parked on Emergency Response Routes may be ticketed and/or towed;
Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and footpaths that adjoin your property. Residents and community groups are encouraged to ‘Adopt-a- Hydrant’ by shoveling a three-foot circle around a hydrant and a path to the street. In the event of a fire, having hydrants clear can save significant time;
Drivers must make sure their vision is not impaired by ice or snow and snow must be removed from roofs etc. so it does not slide off and impact or other operators;
DO NOT shovel or plow snow into the street after the DPW snow plow has begun clearing the street;
If you have a true medical emergency, contact 911 for assistance, otherwise refrain from calling Police, Fire, Public Works or Customer Service to find out when your street will be plowed. Crews are working diligently with available resources to clear all City streets as quickly as possible;
Snow cleanup usually takes between 16 and 24 hours from the end of a snowstorm. .Cooperation in these activities will allow for quicker and more effective clearance of all city streets;
Be prepared for power outages. Do not run generators inside your home or use grills, ovens or stoves as heating sources.

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