This article will be GMW‘s location for all winter storm-related updates from now through Sunday, Jan. 25, when the heaviest precipitation is expected.
Sunday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. — As of 2 p.m., Wilton Police are showing no roads closed due to an impact from the storm.
Sunday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. — Snowfall totals have been adjusted, and officials warn that the latest model runs continue to predict a period of sleet for Connecticut. This will have the effect of cutting down on total snowfall for the southern half of the state, perhaps by a quarter- to half-inch altogether.
Timing of snowfall and temperatures have also been updated:
With steady snow falling on Wilton and freezing rain expected later today, several closures have been announced:
- Wilton Public Schools will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26.
- Town Hall and all Town offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26. They will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
- The Wilton Transfer Station will also be closed Monday, reopening Tuesday.
- All Parks and Recreation and Social Services programming is canceled for Monday, Jan. 26.
- The Wilton Senior Center will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26 and all Monday classes are canceled.
- The Wilton Food Pantry will be closed Monday Jan. 26, and it will reopen Thursday Jan. 29 at 10 a.m.
- Village Market will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25. The store is planning on a 10 a.m. opening on Monday, Jan. 26 but that may change depending on how the storm turns out.
- The Wilton YMCA will not open on Sunday, Jan. 25. Check the website on Sunday evening at 8 p.m. for updates on possible delayed opening hours on Monday, Jan. 26.
- Wilton Library will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26, due to winter weather conditions. Visit the library’s website for updates.
For updates on the potential storm and other weather events, please sign up for the Wilton Everbridge emergency alert system.
Saturday, Jan. 24, at 4:30 p.m. — In the last 24 hours, state officials have stayed pretty consistent with their predictions for the storm, with heavy snow expected and total snow accumulations between 10-16 inches.
Snow is expected to begin around 3 a.m. Sunday morning, Jan. 25.
Wilton looks to be on the dividing line between heavier snowfall (16-20″) and areas that will possibly get a mix of sleet and snow late Sunday afternoon and evening.
Director of Public Works Frank Smeriglio said town plow crews were brought in in advance of the snowstorm to salt town roadways and will work throughout the day and night to plow the roads once the storm hits. Wilton is broken down into 13 plow routes.
Wilton Emergency Management Director, Fire Chief Jim Blanchfield asked residents “to make plans to stay off the roads, avoid unnecessary travel and not park vehicles in the roadways. This will allow State and local plow crews to do their jobs clearing the roads safely and efficiently.“
He also cautioned that roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below a quarter-mile due to falling and blowing snow
Blanchfield said officials are hopeful that the storm won’t be one with widespread power outages, given the way the models are tracking.
“Winds are projected to be in the range of 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph Sunday into Monday, so at this point, this is more of a snow and extreme cold event, rather than an ice and wind event. So although you can’t rule out power outages, it is not the projected primary concern,” Blanchfield said.
That doesn’t mean officials aren’t prepared for them if they do.
Blanchfield opened the Emergency Operations Center and officials have been meeting frequently in preparation. He took GMW through the steps they take to get ready for a storm event like this one.
“Town departments that have involvement with an incoming storm complete what are called 72/48/24-hour checklists, outlining specific actions to take or data to collect at each stage, ensuring that essential preparations are completed. Leadership then meets to review preparations, staffing, public information, coordination with agencies such as Eversource and so on. We then schedule operational periods in order to review and report back to each other throughout the event. That is essentially what goes into setting up the Emergency Operation Center, either in person or virtual. It’s a mechanism to make sure the Town can provide the services needed to the community during critical periods.”
Officials have referred to this storm as “historic,” and Winter Storm Warnings have been issued from Texas to Maine. And for anyone doubting the forecast or saying, “They always say we’re getting snow but nothing happens,” State officials have said this is how secure they are in their predictions: “All models strongly agree that a major winter storm will impact the eastern U.S. This will likely be the largest winter storm to impact our region since 2013.”
Also note:
Local Closings
- Village Market will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25. Manager Nancy Dolnier said the store is planning on a 10 a.m. opening on Monday, Jan. 26 but that may change depending on how the storm turns out.
- The Wilton YMCA will not open on Sunday, Jan. 25. Check the website on Sunday evening at 8 p.m. for updates on possible delayed opening hours on Monday, Jan. 26.
- Wilton Library will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25 due to winter weather conditions. Visit the library’s website for updates.
- The Wilton Food Pantry located at Comstock Community Center will be closed Monday, Jan. 26, reopening Thursday, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 23, at 1 p.m. — Wilton is now under a Winter Storm Warning, with a “historic storm” headed toward the Northeast, due to start early Sunday morning, into Monday.
Computer models and forecasts continue to trend toward more snow for Connecticut (14-20″ across the state). However, due to the possibility of sleet mixing Sunday evening, Wilton Emergency Management Director Jim Blanchfield warns that Wilton should expect at a minimum of 10-16 inches of snowfall beginning Sunday morning and continuing through the overnight into Monday morning.
Below freezing temperatures are also expected, with wind chill factors causing potentially dangerous situations for anyone with prolonged exposure outside.
Officials are asking residents to stay off the roads both for safety concerns as well as assistance in getting roadways cleared faster.
“During the snowstorm, we ask you keep off the roads unless it is a true emergency, as well as not parking vehicles in the roadways. This will allow state and local plow crews to do their jobs clearing the roads safely and efficiently,” Blanchfield said.
Wilton’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has been opened and Town officials are holding coordination meetings, which will continue throughout the storm with its own municipal team, non-governmental partners (utilities, etc.) as well as regional and state government counterparts.
Blanchfield said additional updates on the impacts to Wilton will be provided as more information becomes available.
Other key info:
- The Wilton Food Pantry at Comstock Community Center will be closed Monday, Jan. 26, reopening Thursday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Town plow crews are being brought in in advance of the snowstorm on Sunday morning.
- Warming Centers are currently open (see schedule of location and hours below), but note that hours are likely change due to conditions Sunday and Monday.
- Comstock Community Center (180 School Rd.): Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Wilton YMCA (404 Danbury Rd.): Monday-Friday, 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Wilton Library (137 Ridgefield Rd.): Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Anyone in need of shelter can call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit 211ct.org to view a list of locations, or for non-emergency shelter needs, reach out to Wilton Social Services at 203.834.6238.
Thursday, Jan. 22, at 11 p.m. — Connecticut safety officials have increased the predicted snowfall totals they say residents should expect for what’s being called a possibly historic winter storm headed to the Northeast this weekend.
As of Thursday evening, the CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection issued a forecast with expected snowfall to range from 14-20 inches across most of southern New England.
Based on a blend of the major model forecasts, light snow will begin falling overnight Saturday into the early hours of Sunday morning. The heaviest snowfall is predicted to hit up to two inches per hour by early afternoon. Snow will continue falling, gradually decreasing, into Monday afternoon and possibly Monday evening.
Precipitation may mix with sleet and freezing rain for a time on Sunday night, especially closer to the CT coastline.
With Wilton still under a Winter Storm Watch through Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service has also issued a Cold Weather Advisory in effect from 10 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday. Very cold wind chills around 10 below are expected.
Wilton Emergency Management Director Jim Blanchfield said the Town will open its Emergency Operations Center at Town Hall on Friday in preparation for the arrival of the storm.
He a residents should continue checking media weather reports and anticipate notifications from the Town, as officials “will do our best to keep you informed as to Wilton’s efforts as well.”
Blanchfield warned of particularly messy and dangerous factors accompanying the storm. “What complicates this forecast is not only the potential, based on the storm’s possible tracks, of ice, but the sustained period of below freezing temperatures, particularly during the overnight,” he said.
He offered several suggestions for how residents can “plan accordingly” for the likelihood of nasty weather:
- Prepare: “Get your grocery shopping and prescription refills done in advance and avoid all non-essential travel.”
- Stay off the roads: “Both State and Wilton plows will be operating through the storm, so it’s best to stay off the roads and let them work on clearing the roads.”
- Take Precautions: “If are going to shovel, use your snowblower, avoid overexertion and take breaks. And if you can, check in on your neighbors, especially the elderly and vulnerable.”
Detailed Forecast
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 33 and wind chill values between 15 and 25 degrees. Winds are expected to be 6-15 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 6 and wind chill values between minus 5 and 5 degrees. Winds at 9-15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 16 and wind chill values between minus 5 and 5 degrees. Winds at 6-9 mph.
Saturday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 9 degrees and winds around 5 mph.
Sunday: Snow, mainly after 7 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 22. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Sunday Night: Snow. Low around 16.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 8.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 21.