UPDATE (Saturday, 5:20 p.m.): The National Weather Service has upgraded Easton to a Blizzard Warning, in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. Forecasters said whiteout conditions are expected, with visibility potentially dropping below a quarter mile at times. Snowfall totals remain projected at 11 to 15 inches, with wind gusts up to 45 mph.
Easton residents are being urged to prepare for what forecasters describe as a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds Sunday into Monday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Northern Fairfield County, including Easton, from 6 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. Forecasters are calling for 11 to 15 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 45 mph.
Snow is expected to begin Sunday morning and intensify through the day, becoming heavy at times Sunday night. The strongest winds are forecast late Sunday into Monday, when blowing and drifting snow could sharply reduce visibility.
While Easton is under a Winter Storm Warning, more severe Blizzard Warnings have been issued for the Connecticut shoreline, Long Island and the New York City metro area, where sustained winds could reach 45 to 55 mph. Forecasters said inland areas like Easton could still experience near-blizzard conditions at times.
Town officials said residents should prepare now.
“Major Winter Event is Possible Sunday, February 22 through Monday, February 23. Now is the Time to Prepare!” Easton’s Emergency Management Team wrote in a notice posted Saturday morning.
In that advisory, the town asked residents to stay off roads beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing until crews are able to clear them. “Once the snow starts, snow rates will make the roads nearly impassable,” the notice states.
Parking on town roads during a storm is prohibited under Easton ordinance, and officials said vehicles left on roadways slow plowing operations.
The weather service warned that strong winds combined with accumulating snow on tree limbs could bring down branches and power lines. Forecasters said the storm could significantly disrupt both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Residents are advised not to call 911 or Easton’s non-emergency line to report power outages, as United Illuminating monitors outages remotely. Emergencies should be reported to 911; non-emergency assistance can be directed to 203-268-4111.
The town’s advisory also encouraged residents to charge phones and backup power supplies, check on neighbors and seniors who may not have internet access, ensure medications are on hand and make alternate plans for medical appointments scheduled Sunday or Monday.
Because many Easton homes rely on well water, officials recommended preparing a backup plan for flushing toilets in the event of a power outage. Residents were also advised to stock nonperishable food and water, check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and ensure heating vents remain clear during the storm.
Temperatures are forecast to hover in the low 30s during the heaviest snowfall, conditions that can lead to heavier, wetter snow and increase the risk of downed branches. Officials urged residents to use caution when shoveling.
The storm comes less than a month after Winter Storm Benjamin brought more than a foot of snow to parts of Connecticut, prompting Gov. Ned Lamont to declare a state of emergency and temporarily restrict commercial vehicle travel on state highways. As of Saturday morning, no emergency declaration had been issued for this weekend’s storm, though state officials said they were monitoring conditions.
Saturday is expected to remain calm ahead of the system, with increasing clouds and highs in the upper 30s to low 40s.
Town officials said updates will be posted as the storm approaches.
