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Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 p.m.–Wilton Public Schools joined the loooooooong list of Fairfield County schools that have announced closures for Wednesday, March 7 ahead of the arrival of Winter Storm Quinn. The Nor’easter is expected to bring potentially up to a foot of snow to our area, with snowfall starting after midnight tonight.

The National Weather Service‘s winter storm warning is in effect from tonight through 4 a.m. on Thursday, March 8. So it’s going to be another long haul, on the heels of the damage inflicted this past weekend from Winter Storm Riley.

According to Wilton officials, all town departments are appropriately staffed and prepared to address the storm. The Wilton Police Department and Emergency Operation Management utilizes a town-wide Yahoo-Group email alert system to communicate with residents during storms and in other times of emergencies, accidents or other issues that impact the town residents and businesses. Officials encourage residents to sign up via the Wilton Kiwanis Club website, which maintains the Yahoo Group for the town.

In addition, town officials will relay messages on the Wilton Emergency Management Facebook page.

They posted a message at 5 p.m. Tuesday, which stated:

  • Snow will begin falling before dawn [Wednesday] and remain light through most of the morning. There is expected to be 1-2 inches of accumulation by noon Wednesday.
  • Late morning through mid-afternoon:  steady, moderate snow through around 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon
  • Late afternoon and evening:  The heaviest snowfall rates will be from 3-7 p.m., with a major impact on the evening commute
  • Overnight Wednesday to Thursday:  Snowfall rates will taper off after 7 p.m. and then end completely by Thursday morning.
  • Wind/Flooding Conditions:  Wind gusts are not expected to exceed 30 MPH, and flooding conditions are not expected in our area.

Town officials also encourage residents to sign up for Eversource messaging in case of a power outage.

In extreme emergencies town emergency officials use a Code Red System, to call residents. They don’t anticipate that this storm will require activating Code Red calls, but if residents have not signed up they are encouraged to take the opportunity to sign up at this time. Residents can register via the town website.

Other closures around town:

  • Wilton Library:  Due to the impending storm, Wilton Library will be closed on Wednesday, March 7. The library plans to open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, but patrons are urged to please call 203.762.3950 before venturing out. As always, the public can visit the library 24/7 online.
  • The Wilton Family Y will only be open from 5-7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7. All programs and classes are canceled, including classes held at the Gymnastics Center. Members are asked to check the website before coming in on Thursday.
  • Due to weather, all Bankwell branches will be closed Wednesday, March 7.
  • Village Market will be closing at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7; the market is expected to be open for usual hours Thursday.
  • Chase Bank branches in CT will close at 1 p.m..
Eversource Prepares

Eversource spokespeople announced that the company is preparing for another significant storm, noting that, “Line and tree crews are again ready to respond to a storm expected to hit the region Wednesday, bringing more snow, rain and high winds.”

Many of the crews have been working non-stop to restore power to customers affected by the last storm, and already will be at locations around the state and in position to respond to customers if they’re needed.

The utility recommends customers assemble or restock a storm kit with essential items before the next storm hits, including water, non-perishable food and pet food, as well as adequate medical supplies and prescriptions for each family member and any pets. The company also suggests customers keep all wireless communication devices fully-charged in case of a power outage.

Customers are reminded to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. They can report an outage online or by calling 800.286.2000. Anyone signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.

This article will be updated as needed.