GOOD Home is a biweekly column published in partnership with PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield about home safety, maintenance, weather preparedness and damage prevention, with the goal of saving homeowners from the hassle and headaches of severe property damage. Located in South Wilton (24 Danbury Rd., Suite 204), PuroClean provides 24/7 water damage remediation, fire and smoke restoration, and mold and biohazard removal services to the Fairfield County community and across southwest CT and Northeastern Westchester County.
Southern Fairfield County is digging out after a powerful winter blizzard swept through the region from Sunday, Feb. 22 into early Monday, Feb. 23, leaving behind more than a foot of snow in many communities and towering wind-driven drifts across neighborhoods.
Preliminary snowfall reports show Stamford received roughly 12-14 inches, while inland towns such as Wilton and Ridgefield saw similar totals, with localized areas approaching 15 inches or more. What made this storm especially disruptive, however, was not just the snowfall — it was the wind. Gusts exceeding 40 mph created blowing snow and massive drifts that in some areas piled three feet high against homes, garages and fences.
Road crews worked overnight to clear major routes, but many residential streets remain narrowed by plowed banks. As Fairfield County transitions from storm response to cleanup, experts say the real risk to homes may just be beginning.
The Storm May Be Over — The Risks Are Not
Winter storms of this magnitude often create hidden threats that reveal themselves hours — or even days — later.
Emergency officials throughout Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Wilton and Ridgefield are urging residents to take a measured approach as they begin digging out.
The first priority: safety.
Blocked furnace and dryer vents, especially those buried by drifting snow, can create dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside homes. Residents are encouraged to clear vents before starting heavy shoveling. Downed tree limbs and concealed power lines should also be treated with extreme caution.
Medical professionals note that post-storm injuries spike after major snow events, particularly from overexertion and slips on untreated ice.
Snow Drifts Create Uneven Roof Stress
While official snowfall totals hovered around the 12- to 15-inch range in much of southern Fairfield County, wind patterns caused snow to accumulate unevenly. Large drifts formed along rooflines and against exterior walls, creating added structural stress in concentrated areas.
That uneven buildup increases the risk of ice dams, one of the most common winter damage issues in Connecticut.
Ice dams occur when melting snow refreezes at the roof’s edge, trapping water behind it. That water can seep under shingles and into ceilings and walls.
Homeowners should watch for:
- Water stains on ceilings
- Dripping along exterior walls
- Peeling paint near roof edges
- Large icicles forming along gutters
Using a roof rake from ground level to clear the lower portion of the roof can help reduce risk. Climbing onto an icy roof, however, is strongly discouraged.
Frozen Pipes Could Follow
With overnight temperatures expected to remain below freezing, plumbing systems are another concern.
Pipes in basements, crawl spaces and exterior-facing walls are especially vulnerable after prolonged exposure to cold air. If faucets slow to a trickle, pipes show frost, or unusual sounds occur when water is turned on, freezing may already be underway.
A burst pipe can release gallons of water in minutes — turning a winter inconvenience into a major water damage event.
Experts recommend shutting off the main water valve immediately if freezing is suspected and contacting a licensed plumber before the situation escalates.
Prepare for the Melt
Though roads are still snow-covered in many neighborhoods, the eventual thaw presents its own set of challenges.
As temperatures rise later this week, melting snow can overwhelm drainage systems and seep toward foundations. Low-lying properties in coastal areas of Greenwich and Stamford are particularly susceptible, but basement flooding can happen anywhere snow accumulates heavily against a home.
Homeowners should ensure sump pumps are functioning, clear snow at least several feet away from foundations, and check that exterior drains remain unobstructed.
Water intrusion during snowmelt is among the most frequent insurance claims filed after Connecticut blizzards.
Wind Damage Often Goes Unnoticed
Beyond snow totals, wind may have left its own mark.
Gusts above 40 mph are capable of loosening shingles, bending flashing, and pulling siding away from structures. A careful walk around the property can reveal subtle damage — missing shingles, sagging gutters, fallen branches — that could allow water infiltration during the next storm.
Addressing small vulnerabilities early can prevent far more extensive repairs later.
A Community Effort
In towns like Wilton and Ridgefield, where homes are more spread out and roads narrower, neighbors often play a key role in recovery. Checking on elderly residents, assisting with walkway clearing, and sharing information strengthens community resilience after severe winter weather.
Moving Forward After the Blizzard
Blizzards are part of life in Southern Connecticut, but storms of this intensity serve as reminders of how quickly conditions can shift.
From heavy snowfall in Stamford to wind-sculpted drifts in Ridgefield and Wilton, this latest storm tested infrastructure and homeowners alike. Now, as Fairfield County transitions from response to recovery, vigilance remains essential.
The snow may have stopped falling — but careful inspection, proactive maintenance and safety awareness will determine how smoothly the days ahead unfold.
For homeowners across southern Fairfield County, the next 48 hours matter most. For other tips check out “How to Prevent Damage from Freezing Temperatures”.
If you are seeing the signs or want to learn more, look us up on Linkedin, Facebook or Instagram, call us at 475.277.2400 or email us.
Very helpful article. Any insight on Snow Damming? How to spot it, who to call/ what to do, how to prevent it, when it typically happens?
Thank you