An update from the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security:
A double barrel low pressure system is moving slowly into our area at this time. At 8:45 AM light snow was falling along the coast and roads are currently just wet. A band of moderate snow is just to the south over Long Island. This band of heavier snow may reach the coast in the next few hours. Temperatures are generally in the mid 30’s across the state. Winter Storm Warnings are currently in effect for the entire state and continuing until 8:00 am Thursday morning. The following forecast is based on a blend of the NAM and GFS models.
THIS MORNING: Light snow is forecast to spread slowly into the state between now at the coast to noontime in the Hartford area. Moderate snow later this morning could cause a minor to moderate impact along the I-95 corridor. Temperatures are forecast to drop to near 32 F once the snow begins. Northeast winds gusting to 25 MPH inland and 35 MPH along the coast.
THIS AFTERNOON: The snow intensity in the Hartford area is forecast to become moderate between 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Total accumulations by the start of the rush hour at 3:00 PM are forecast to range from 1″ – 3″ in the Hartford area up to 6″ along the coast. The impact on the afternoon rush hour is expected to be minor in Northern CT and moderate Southern CT. Snowfall rates are forecast to be around 1/2″ per hour in the Hartford area and up to 1″ per hour along the coast during the rush hour. Much of the falling snow may melt on contact in the valleys. Highs remaining near 30 F. Minor coastal flooding is possible during the afternoon high tides in Western Long Island Sound around 3:00 PM.
THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT: A period of moderate to heavy snow is possible between 5:00 PM and Midnight across most of the state. The impact on travel could be moderate to major with heavy snow falling and sticking to roads especially in southern CT. Lows in the upper 20’s. The snow is forecast to end before daybreak on Thursday. A minor impact to the rush hour is still possible Thursday morning. Some power outages may occur due to the semi-wet snow.
