SW Connecticut News

(Norwalk, Conn.) Today, December 21, 2022, Mayor Rilling announced that a winter storm is expected to bring a mix of conditions to the area beginning Thursday evening, December 22. The conditions could potentially impact the area ahead of the holiday weekend, and the City is activating its warming centers.

Heavy downpours and windy conditions are expected. The forecast includes a fast-moving line of showers and storms that has the potential to bring damaging winds as it blasts east. 45 - 60 mile-per-hour wind gusts are expected beginning late Thursday evening into Friday.

Temperatures will rapidly fall behind the winter weather front, with some wet flakes and sleet possible as it clears the area. This will set the stage for at least scattered areas of ice to develop across surfaces that remain wet as temperatures fall below freezing. Bitterly cold temperatures will then take effect overnight on Friday and into the holiday weekend. 

Anyone in need of shelter should call 2-1-1. Calling 2-1-1 will allow community members to connect with local shelters, transportation to a shelter and community-based providers.

In addition to contacting 2-1-1 for assistance, residents in need of warming options can access the following:

• The SoNo Collection Mall; and 
• The Norwalk Police Department Community Room 

Additionally, with the high winds, power outages are possible. Residents are encouraged to prepare for power outages. This includes having mobile devices charged and flashlights and lightsticks if needed. Do not run generators inside your home or use grills, ovens or stoves as heating sources. Residents are also being asked to secure or bring their outdoor holiday decorations indoors and deflate any holiday inflatables, so they don’t become airborne.

As temperatures drop on Friday, icing is possible on roadways and bridges. Drivers should stay alert for areas of black ice, go slow and allow extra time to get to destinations. The National Weather Service will issue watches and warnings as conditions change and residents should monitor conditions, especially if traveling for the holidays. FEMA and the American Red Cross have helpful apps that can provide real-time weather updates. For additional winter safety tips, please visit www.norwalkct.org/snow.

Original source can be found here.