Winter storm pulls away after dumping heavy snow; frigid air won't budge | Live updates

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont held a storm briefing on Friday afternoon, urging drivers to avoid travel on state roads on Sunday due to the major winter storm.

"We are strongly urging everyone to make plans in advance to avoid all unnecessary travel on Sunday. Our state snowplow fleet is prepared to clear the roads, and the fewer cars are out there the quicker and safer the snowplow crews can do their work," Lamont said.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has more than 600 snowplows and specialized equipment ready for deployment statewide, according to Lamont. Crews will work around the clock as needed to clear snow and ice and restore safe travel conditions.

Tips for winter driving and staying clear of snowplows:

The Connecticut Department of Transportation advises motorists to use the following tips whenever approaching a snowplow:

- Give plows space: Stay well behind plows and avoid their blind spots, especially in the rear corners.
- Never pass in active plowing zones: Passing snowplows can reduce visibility and increase the risk of collisions with thrown snow or the plow itself.
- Be patient: Plows often drive slowly to clear snow effectively; crowding or tailgating can endanger both drivers and operators.

To ensure safety during icy and snowy conditions, the public is encouraged to:

- Delay travel if possible: Staying home during the storm is the safest option.
- Slow down: Reduce speed and allow extra time to stop on snow or ice-covered roads.
- Leave extra space: Increase following distance between vehicles, especially behind snowplows.
- Be vehicle-ready: Keep fuel tanks full or electric vehicles charged and ensure tires and lights are in good condition.
- Pack emergency supplies: Carry blankets, water, food, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a first aid kit.
- Stay informed: Monitor forecasts and check real-time traffic and road conditions at CTroads.orgbefore traveling.
- Never drive impaired: Winter conditions demand full attention and alertness at all times.

You can find links to more resources below:

- For more information about winter driving safety and snowplow awareness, visit nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips.
- For updates on incidents that may be impacting state roads, visit CTtroads.org.
- For those who utilize public transportation, visit the transit operator's website for updates on any potential delays or cancelations.
- To subscribe to emergency alerts through the state's CT Alert notification system, visit ct.gov/ctalert.
- For emergency management news and resources, visit the state's CTPrepareswebsite at ct.gov/ctprepares.

With a major winter storm on the way, let's make sure you know how to prepare for this weekend and the dramatic drop in temperature on the way.

A shock to all of our systems is coming. On Friday night, that arctic air blasts in, and we'll drop to a low of just 10 degrees Saturday morning, but with wind gusts to 30 mph, sub-zero wind chills are expected across the Tri-State.

That means we're at a dangerous risk for frostbite or hypothermia, with the Hudson Valley experiencing wind chills around 20 degrees below zero. Frostbite is possible in as little as 30 minutes.

Here are some tips to protect yourself:

Meteorologist Dani Beckstrom has tips one how you can prepare for this weekend's snowstorm and the blast of cold air.

The best option? Stay inside, but if you have to be out wear loose clothing.

You want to layer, but you don't want the layers to be too tight because the body heat that gets trapped between the loose layers helps insulate you.

The parts of your body with the weakest circulation are most at risk for frostbite. Think fingers, toes, nose and ears. So keep those gloves, hats, and socks on and make sure they're dry. Wet clothing saps body heat much faster than dry.

We know preparations are already underway on the roads for the snow coming in on Sunday, and you can be preparing now too.

One of the big concerns is what happens if the power goes out.

Plan an emergency bag now, stocked with batteries, flashlights, food, and heavy clothes.

You'll want to check your batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure everything is fueled up. That includes your car, any generators, and also your cell phones.

Finally, even if your power goes out, try not to travel unless its an emergency.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for New York City and the Tri-State area ahead of the winter storm.

Click here for the latest advisories, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service

The Department of Sanitation is hiring temporary emergency snow shovelers to help remove snow and ice from bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and other public areas across New York City.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the United States, and physically able to perform heavy labor outdoors in winter conditions.

Interested New Yorkers can find details on pay, registration, and requirements below.

Learn More