This article will be your GOOD Morning Wilton hub for coverage of the storm expected to begin on Monday evening, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. We’ll make updates here of all information and alerts we get from the state and town emergency officials, as well as any news on power outages, road closures and conditions, and instructions from officials.
Readers are welcome to send updates and photos by email to editor@goodmorningwilton.com.
UPDATE — TUESDAY, FEB. 28, 8:30 A.M.
Town of Wilton officials have adjusted the time town offices will open. They’ve changed the time to 11:30 a.m., “due to persistent icing on area roadways,” according to Town Administrator Matt Knickerbocker.
UPDATE — TUESDAY, FEB. 28, 7 A.M.
With the National Weather Service‘s Winter Storm Warning still in effect until 1 pm Tuesday, everything is slow-going this morning. Thankfully, Eversource reports no storm-related power outages in Wilton, and as of 7:15 a.m., only three customers in Connecticut are without power.
According to the CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, the snow was forecast to taper down from heavy to moderate between 3-6 a.m., leaving much of the overnight snowfall likely still on many roads.
“Public Works and State crews have been plowing since last evening and continue today,” Emergency Management Director/Fire Chief Jim Blanchfield told GOOD Morning Wilton. “Anyone who is driving we ask that you take it slow, give the plow crews room to work, and use extreme caution.”
He added that with snow on and off again for the next few hours, slippery road conditions will continue to exist, and the Town will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day.
Snow is expected to continue to be light to moderate at points before 10 a.m. and then mixed with rain or freezing rain at times until 3 p.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts little or no ice accumulation is expected and a total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Wilton could see a high near 36 degrees, with wind chill values between 20-30 degrees.
Most roads should be plowed and treated by the afternoon rush hour with high end minor impact expected. Highs are forecast to reach the mid 30s.
Snow Accumulation
As of 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, the NWS has one snow total accumulation report of 6.5 inches in southeast Wilton. GOOD Morning Wilton has 4.5 inches of snowfall in central Wilton.
Town of Wilton Offices on Delayed Opening
Town officials have delayed the opening of Wilton municipal facilities and offices to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Town Administrator Matt Knickerbocker told GOOD Morning Wilton that with the weather forecast for late morning and early afternoon still uncertain, he will continue to monitor conditions along with police, fire and DPW personnel throughout the morning hours.
Wilton Library to Open at Noon
Wilton Library and the drive-thru window will open at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
UPDATE — MONDAY, FEB. 27, 10:30 P.M.
Gov. Lamont Orders State Office Buildings Closed Tuesday, Feb. 28
Gov. Ned Lamont has ordered all executive branch state office buildings closed to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 28, due to the winter storm anticipated to impact Connecticut.
Wilton Family YMCA to Open at 12 P.M. on Modified Schedule Tuesday, Feb. 28; Preschool, After-school and Child Watch are Canceled
Due to the overnight and morning winter storm, the Wilton Family YMCA will be running on a modified opening schedule on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Officials will decide by 11:30 a.m. on any additional schedule/facility changes.
All group fitness classes and programs are canceled before noon; this includes the YMCA Gymnastics Center at 644 Danbury Rd. Silver Sneakers will run at 12:30 p.m.
Preschool and all After-School activities are canceled; Child Watch will not open.
Continue to check the Wilton YMCA website and social media for any changes.
Trackside Teen Center will be Closed Tuesday, Feb. 28
Trackside Teen Center follows the Wilton Public Schools for weather-related closures, so Trackside will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 28. No clubs will meet on Tuesday.
ORIGINAL STORY — MONDAY, FEB. 27, 6:30 P.M.
Wilton Public Schools will be Closed Tuesday, Feb. 28
At 6 p.m. Monday evening, the Wilton Public School district announced that Superintendent Kevin Smith had made the call to cancel school for Tuesday, Feb. 28. All schools and offices will be closed Tuesday due to the forecasted snow.
Wilton Emergency Officials: Town is Prepared for Storm Response
Wilton’s Emergency Management Director, Fire Chief Jim Blanchfield, said the Town is ready to respond to the storm.
Blanchfield said the Department of Public Works will be staffing up to cover preparations in advance of the storm, starting early Monday evening. Roads will be pretreated starting at 6 p.m., and DPW staff members are working throughout the storm overnight into Tuesday.
“The Police and Fire Departments also will be staffing up tonight into tomorrow. We will be monitoring the storm and if adjustments need to be made as to resources, or personnel, we will do so,” Blanchfield said.
He added that this storm is expected to bring heavy, wet snow at a rate of approximately one inch an hour. Travel will be very difficult tonight, with the hazardous conditions likely affecting the morning commute.
“The Town will continue to monitor the storm throughout the night, with crews working to keep the roadways clear,” he said, adding a caution: “If at all possible, try to stay in doors tonight.”