Gov. Dannel Malloy has declared a state of emergency in preparation for the coming blizzard and ordered a travel ban to go into effect at 4 p.m. until further notice.
Malloy said the worst thing that could happen is cars get stuck on highways and it could take hours, if not days, to get them off. He coordinated the ban with Massachusetts and New York.
The travel ban does not apply to emergency response vehicles, including public safety and utility vehicles, including those carrying essential personnel.
“As the weather gets worse over the next few hours, we need to keep the roads clear, so that emergency-related personnel and utility crews can reach those that may need our help,” Malloy said in a statement. “By traveling in these conditions, you are not only putting yourself in danger, but you are potentially risking the lives of first responders, utility workers and other residents. Please be safe.”
Lt. Paul Vance, of Connecticut State Police, said around 3:30 p.m. that troopers have responded to around 100 crashes, none of which are reported as serious.
Malloy said the National Guard is forming teams in strategic locations around the state to assist stranded motorists or in emergency situations.
A declaration of emergency provides the governor with a number of emergency powers, including:
The ability to modify or suspend any state statute, regulation, or requirement (for example: altering work hours, waiving licensing requirements, etc.)
The ability to order civil preparedness forces into action
The ability to designate vehicle and person routes and movements.
Several towns have issued parking bans.
In Hartford, police will begin tagging and towing all vehicles parked on city streets at 11 a.m.
A level 2 parking ban is in effect, which means that no parking is allowed on any city streets.
Free public parking for city residents will be available at every public school and the Morgan Street parking garage.
All community service officers have been ordered into work to assist with notifying residents to get their vehicles off the streets.
Should your vehicle get towed, please call 860-757-4000.
Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut/Chris Coffey