Winter Storm Warning Predicts Up To 10 Inches Of Snow

Brace yourself — a winter storm is blowing into town and threatening to dump up to 10 inches of snow before its over on Friday. 

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Southern New London County from 4 a.m. Thursday until 1 p.m. Friday, with near-blizzard conditions likely for Thursday evening into Friday morning. 

The forecast predicts we'll see one to two inches during the Thursday morning commute, with snow showers throughout the day. The heaviest snow is expected Thursday evening into Friday morning. Visibility could drop to one quarter of a mile at times. 

Winds will add to the problem, blowing northeast at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts of up to 35 mph. Wind chill will drop temperatures to 15-below to 5-below zero late Thursday night into Friday. Strong winds and heavy snow could also lead to downed power lines, so be prepared with flashlights, water, and food you don't have to cook just in case. 

Road conditions are expected to be bad, so try to limit travel during the height of the storm to emergencies only. 

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has directed the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to coordinate with 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the state’s most vulnerable people are protected from the severe cold weather.

"I am asking residents to use caution as they head out for their Thursday and Friday commutes and give yourself some extra time to get to your destination," Malloy said. "I am also asking that you avoid travel during the height of the storm Thursday night. We are also taking steps to make sure that we can take care of those in need of shelter. I urge anyone in need of shelter to call 2-1-1 and encourage local communities to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to help people in need.

"State emergency management officials are preparing for the potential impacts of this severe weather and continue to provide me with regular updates."