Roads Mainly Clear in Middlebury & Woodbury [UPDATE]

Welcome to the Middlebury and Woodbury central snowstorm hub. This article is where storm-related updates will be posted.

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Update, 6:40 p.m. Feb. 10

Region 14 and Region 15 schools are closed on Monday, Feb. 11.

Update, 1:34 p.m. Feb. 10

Woodbury First Selectman Gerald 'Jerry' Stomski issued the following road update:

"Unlike our neighbors, all of our roads had been plowed and were open on Saturday night. We are now widening them, pushing back snow bankings and clearing cul-de-sacs."

Update, 12:16 p.m. Feb. 10

The U.S. Postal Service will deliver mail as soon as it's safe to do so and is asking residents to clear mailboxes and sidewalks of snow.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy's request for a presidential emergency declaration in the wake of Friday’s historic winter storm has been approved.

Update, 10:18 a.m. Feb. 10

Woodbury-Middlebury Patch Facebook fans weighed in on the condition of roads and so far, no one has mentioned any unplowed roads. Here's the list of roads that are clear, according to our Facebook fans:

• Christian Road, Middlebury
• Hard Hill Road North, Bethlehem
• Lighthouse Road, Woodbury
• Old Sherman Hill Road, Woodbury
• Old Woodbury Road, Woodbury
• Park Road, Woodbury
• Pilgrim Trail, Woodbury
• Route 64
• Route 132, Woodbury into Bethlehem
• Sage Road, Woodbury
• Sprain Brook Road, Woodbury (one lane open)
• Stagecoach Road, Woodbury
• Stevens Road, Middlebury
• White Deer Rocks Road, Woodbury

Feel free to add the status of your road or other roads in Middlebury and Woodbury, by posting in the comments section of this article.

Update, 9:10 a.m. Feb. 10

The all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is taking place at the Woodbury firehouse until 11 a.m., per Fire Chief Janet Morgan. Children attend for $5 and adults attend for $6.

Update, 9:04 p.m. Feb. 9

According to the CL&P outage map, 28 Woodbury homes are without power.

Update, 7:17 p.m. Feb. 9

CL&P crews are presently working to restore power in Woodbury, according to Randy Ashmore, director of emergency preparedness. According to the CL&P outage map, 45 homes are without power.

Update, 6:55 p.m. Feb. 9

Sunday worship at First Congregational Church is canceled for Sunday, Feb. 9. Rev. Lyn left the following message on the church's Facebook page: "Instead, I will be sending you a worship email tomorrow at 10 am."

If you would like Rev. Lyn to include request in the email, you can write to Rev. Lyn at revlynbarrett@gmail.com with the information.

Update, 3:52 p.m. Feb. 9

The travel ban across Connecticut is ending at 4 p.m., according to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's office.

Update, 1:28 p.m. Feb. 9

Only two homes are without power in Woodbury, according to the CL&P outage map.

Update, 12:25 p.m., Feb. 9:

The storm has been blamed for at least two deaths, one in Prospect in which an elderly woman was reportedly hit by a car while snow blowing her driveway, and a 49-year-old Shelton man who died while shoveling his driveway.

A death in Danbury may also be connected to the storm.

Update, 12:09 p.m. Feb. 9

While the snow is largely over, now CL&P is reporting power outages in Woodbury. The following data comes from the CL&P outage maps:

Approximately 1,419 homes or 27 percent of the households are without power in Woodbury.

To report an outage, you may do so on the CL&P website or by calling 800-286-2000.

Update, 11:56 p.m. Feb. 9

Governor Dannel P. Malloy said storm clean-up will take a 'number of days.' He noted the following safety tips:

• Make sure vents to household appliances like dryers are not blocked by snow. If blocked, carbon monoxide could build up inside and prove deadly.
• Generators should be properly ventilated to the outdoors.
• If you live near a fire hydrant, dig it out so firemen can access in the event of an emergency.

Update, 10:54 a.m. Feb. 9

Danbury detectives are on their way to a Forest Avenue home where a man is believed to have died after falling off his porch sometime Friday night or Saturday morning, said Shift Commander Michael Sturdevant.

Update, 10:11 a.m. Feb. 9

In Middlebury, First Selectman Edward B. St. John said even though there were no power outages, it was still one wild storm.

"We'r just trying desperately to keep our roads open and we're doing it," he said. "It's been a struggle. This is an unbelievable snowstorm."

St. John urged residents to stay off the roads if they can and reminded them not to shovel to the point of exertion. In all his years as first selectman, he said this storm was surprising.

"I've been at it for 40-something years and I've never seen snow come down as hard as this one," he said.

Woodbury First Selectman Gerald 'Jerry' Stomski said the state of emergency for the town is lifted.

"The majority of the town roads are opened and plowed," he said via e-mail to Patch this morning.

Randy Ashmore, director of emergency preparedness in town, urged residents to be careful when exposing of ashes from fireplaces and woodstoves and reminded them to think of the welfare of themselves and others.

"Take a moment to wave to your neighbors too," he said.

Update, 5:55 a.m. Feb. 9

Gov. Malloy has ordered all roads in Connecticut closed until further notice. This traffic ban extends to all vehicles except for those emergency response and recovery vehicles with the capacity to maneuver in heavy snow.

"It's critical right now that residents stay off the roads, so that our plows can continue their efforts to clear our streets and highways," said Governor Malloy. "This is a record setting storm. It's going to take time to dig out of the snow. Stalled or abandoned vehicles will only slow that process. Unless you face an emergency, please stay put."

Update, 12:26 a.m. Feb. 9

First Selectman Gerald D. Stomski said Woodbury is under a state of emergency preparedness.

"All citizens are asked to stay off of all local and town roads to allow clean up crews the ability to allow emergency vehicles access to the roads," he said via e-mail. "This state of emergency preparedness is due to the snowstorm and blizzard and in effect until further notice."

Update, 12:12 a.m. Feb. 9

During the overnight hours of Friday into Saturday, the National Weather Service reports that snowfall rates of two to four inches per hour are expected. Low visibility and gusty winds make for unsafe travel conditions.

Middlebury and Woodbury's Saturday forecast: Snow likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 25. Blustery, with a northwest wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Update, 7:50 p.m. Feb. 8

There are no reported power outages or downed trees in Woodbury, according to Emergency Management Director Randy Ashmore.

In Middlebury, there are also no reported outages.

Winds are expected to increase during the evening. Shelter information may be obtained by calling 211.

Ashmore urged residents to stay off the roads. Anyone with questions may call Ashmore at 203-695-3037.

Update, 7:10 p.m. Feb. 8

• : Local businesses, let us know in the comments if you changed your hours due to the storm.

Update, 3:56 p.m. Feb. 8

A ban on motor vehicle travel on limited access highways in the State of Connecticut will take effect beginning at 4 p.m., Gov. Dannel P. Malloy just announced.

These prohibitions do not extend to emergency response and recovery vehicles, including public safety vehicles, utility vehicles, and vehicles carrying essential personnel or supplies.

“As the weather gets worse over the next few hours, we need to keep the roads clear, so that emergency-related personnel and utility crews can reach those that may need our help,” Malloy said. “By traveling in these conditions, you are not only putting yourself in danger, but you are potentially risking the lives of first responders, utility workers and other residents. Please be safe.”

The travel ban, coordinated with Massachusetts and New York, will remain in effect until further notice.

10:57 a.m. Feb. 8

Governor Dannel P. Malloy will declare a state of emergency in preparation for the coming blizzard which is anticipated to heavily impact the state Friday and Saturday.

Lmited access highways may be subject to closure as early as noon. Malloy is asking all residents to limit nonessential travel.

"People need to take this storm seriously," he said in a press release. "If current predictions are accurate, we will need people to stay off the roads so that emergency personnel and utility crews can get to the places they need to get to, and to make sure that our plows can keep critical roadways clear. Please stay home once the weather gets bad except in the case of real emergency."

10:55 a.m. Feb. 8

The CT DMV and AAA offices are closed Saturday, Feb. 9, according to the DMV website. AAA offices statewide are closing at noon Friday for DMV transactions. The company will be taking calls for roadside assistance.
 

10:40 a.m. Feb. 8

All Middlebury Parks and Recreation Programs for Friday are cancelled, according to the department's Facebook page.

9:31 a.m. Feb. 8

Middlebury Police are enforcing the town's parking ordinance. For complete information, click here: Middlebury Police Enforcing Parking Ordinance During Snowstorm. Acting Police Chief Richard Wildman stated:

The police will not be knocking on doors to locate owners of abandon cars they will be towed.

People traveling should make sure they have a good safety kit which should include a blanket for each occupant, flashlight, shovel, first aid kit, flares, water, and energy bars.

What the police have seen in the past are people stuck in traffic for hours, so medication becomes an issue especially for diabetics.

In addition, if something happens between Exit 16 and Exit 17 off I84, Route 188 and Route 64 usually becomes the alternative routes and five or six miles becomes a two or three hour commute. 911 is for emergencies, not traffic reports.

8:48 a.m. Feb. 8

Woodbury First Selectman Gerald Stomski is asking residents to be prepared for heavy snow and possible power outages.

"The town will be providing updates as needed through the towns website, news media, and if necessary we will launch an emergency notification via the CodeRed System. Anyone needing preparation assistance or additional storm information may contact the selectman’s office at 203-263-2141.

2:44 a.m. Feb. 8

Blogger Nancy Sasso Janis updates readers on changes to local theater schedules.

The American Red Cross relayed safety tips when blizzard conditions are in the forecast.

7:12 p.m. Feb. 7

Region 14 schools are closed Friday, Feb. 8.

5:02 p.m. Feb. 7

Region 15 schools are closed Friday, Feb. 8. All afternoon activites are cancelled.

Original article:

All of Connecticut is preparing for a snowstorm that is slated to arrive Friday, Feb. 8, and continue through Saturday, Feb. 9.

Blizzard warnings were issued by the National Weather Service for Middlebury and Woodbury. Snow accumulations are predicted to be between 13 to 21 inches by the end of the storm.

The forecast as of 4:14 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, is as follows.

Middlebury

• Friday, Feb. 8: A chance of snow after 4 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 18. East wind 5 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

• Snow mainly after 7 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 30. Blustery, with gusts as high as 36 mph. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

• Friday Night: Snow, heavy at times. Low around 16. Windy, with a northeast wind 23 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. New snow accumulation of 10 to 14 inches possible.

• Saturday, Feb. 8: Snow likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as -1. Blustery, with a north wind 21 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

• Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 5. North wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Woodbury

• Friday: Snow, heavy at times. Low around 21. Blustery, with a northeast wind 15 to 21 mph. New snow accumulation of 9 to 13 inches possible.

• Saturday: Snow, mainly before 10 a.m. High near 27. Blustery, with a northwest wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

• Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 6. North wind 6 to 15 mph.