With 1 to 2 inches of snow expected overnight, another 5 to 9 inches expected before 1 p.m., Tuesday and winds gusting as high as 40 mph, Darien’s schools, Town Hall and the Transfer Station will be closed.
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for an area including southern Connecticut and Westchester County for 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday. “Heavy snow is expected [with] winds gusting as high as 40 mph.”
“Travel could be very difficult,” the NWS warning continued. “The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. […] If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Check local Department of Transportation information services for the latest road conditions.”
Tuesday night’s scheduled Board of Education meeting has been postponed to 7:30 p.m., Thursday. “The Planning & Zoning Commission public hearing will be rescheduled,” the town government announced on “X,” formerly Twitter.
Coastal Flood Advisories Issued
The National Weather Service issued two Coastal Flood Advisories and a Coastal Flood Statement:
—The first, from 11 p.m., Monday to 2 a.m., Tuesday (up to a foot of flooding above ground level is expected near the shoreline)
—The second is from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday (with 1.5 to 2 feet of flooding expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline.
Scattered road closures are “likely,” the NWS said. In addition, with high tide at night on Tuesday, minor flooding is likely.
An excerpt:
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 2 AM EST TUESDAY... ...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 4 PM EST TUESDAY... * WHAT...For the first Coastal Flood Advisory, up to 1 ft of inundation above ground level expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline. For the second Coastal Flood Advisory, 1 1/2 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline. * WHERE...In Connecticut, Southern Fairfield County. In New York, Southern Westchester County. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Statement, until 2 PM EST this afternoon. For the first Coastal Flood Advisory, from 11 PM this evening to 2 AM EST Tuesday. For the second Coastal Flood Advisory, from noon to 4 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Expect around 1 1/2 to 2 ft of inundation above ground level in low lying, vulnerable areas. Several roads and low lying property including parking lots, parks, lawns and homes/businesses with basements near the waterfront will experience flooding, with scattered road closures likely. Vehicles parked in vulnerable areas near the waterfront may become flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Minor flooding likely with the Tuesday Night high tide.
Threat of Power Outages
Eversource says it’s “ready to respond to any storm-related power outages or damage to the electric system. The energy company is bringing in additional line and tree crews in advance of the storm who will be positioned around the state, so they can quickly respond to any damage or power outages […]”
Steve Sullivan, Eversource president of Connecticut electric operations, gave this reminder: “The heavy, wet snow can weigh down tree limbs and branches, possibly bringing them down onto electric lines and equipment, causing damage and power outages.
More reminders from the utility:
—”Eversource urges customers to always stay clear of downed wires, keep pets away as well and to report them immediately to 911.
—”Be sure to report any outage online at www.eversource.com or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who 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.
—”Eversource natural gas customers should be aware that some natural gas heating systems may be affected by a power outage, and
—”[I]t’s important to keep gas meters and outdoor vents clear of snow and ice buildup. Customers should carefully remove snow and ice with a broom or by hand. Do not use a shovel or kick the gas meter which can damage the meter. Customers should also immediately leave their home or business if they smell gas, and call 911.
—”Additional preparedness tips can be found at the Storm Preparedness section at Eversource.com.”
Ugly Weather: The NWS Forecast
Click here for the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
Monday night, the weather service said there would be a chance of rain before 1 a.m., then rain and 1 to 2 inches snow accumulation from 1 to 4 a.m., followed by an inch of snow. (The chance of precipitation is 90%.) Monday night is expected to have winds from 5 to 10 miles per hour till midnight. From midnight to dawn, winds are expected to increase to 12 to 17 mph.
On Tuesday, the forecasters expect another 5 to 9 inches of snow (chance of precipitation is, again, 90%), with winds of 17 to 22 mph.
Here’s the weather service’s forecast for Darien over the next several days, as of 7 p.m., Monday: