Report by Paula Antolini
February 9, 2017 9:13AM EDT
Governor Malloy: “Stay off roads,” CT State Emergency Operations Center Activated During Blizzard
Gov. Malloy: Nonessential State Employees Should Not Report to Work on Thursday, February 9, Due to Snow
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy is asking nonessential first and second-shift state employees to stay home on Thursday, February 9, 2017 in advance of the coming winter storm.
The Governor also announced that he will activate the state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Thursday at 5:00 AM to continue coordinating the state’s response to the storm.
“All indications are that this will be a fast-moving, challenging storm,” said Governor Malloy. “We need roads clear so that emergency personnel and utility crews can do their job. As such, I urge all Connecticut residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. If employers can allow people to work from home or alter their hours, I encourage them to do that as well.”
Forecasts predict snow to begin falling in the early morning, with the potential for very heavy snowfall between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Very slick driving conditions are expected with low visibilities down to one quarter mile at times. Near blizzard conditions are expected at times; with snowfall rates up to 3 inches per hour through the rest of the morning as temperatures continue to fall into the upper 20s by noon, with snow tapering off during the afternoon.
State officials warn that even with the full fleet of snow removal equipment deployed throughout the state, keeping the roads clear during such a heavy snow fall will be a challenge. As such, the Governor encourages motorists to stay safe and off the road during the window of peak snowfall. Residents who can work from home are urged to do so. And businesses are encouraged to provide employees such an option if possible.
All state employees are encouraged to monitor the “Notification of Early Release/Late Opening for State Offices” page on the state’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security website for the latest updates on state office closures.
In related news, the State of New York has issued a tandem trailer ban on several portions of its state highway system beginning 12:00 AM Thursday, February 9.
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