Town officials are closely monitoring the major winter storm forecast.
It’s expected to begin Sunday morning (January 25), with hazardous conditions to continue into Monday.
Models indicate 12 to 18 inches of snowfall across southern New England. Wind gusts of 20 to 30 miles an hour may result in blowing snow and periods of near-zero visibility. The snow is expected to be light and powdery, so widespread power outages are not anticipated at this time.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan says, “This storm has the potential to significantly impact travel and daily activities. Now is the time for residents to prepare, complete errands early, and plan to stay off the roads once snowfall begins so emergency and public works crews can operate safely.”
Department of Human Resources director Elaine Daignault adds, “Extreme cold can be dangerous, especially for seniors, residents without reliable heat, and those facing hardship.
“Our team is ready to help connect residents with warming centers and other critical resources. Please check your furnaces now, and schedule fuel deliveries ahead of the storm. If you or someone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Westport residents experiencing hardship due to cold weather can contact Human Services at 203-341-1050 now and tomorrow, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Westport warming centers include:
- Westport Center for Senior Activities: 21 Imperial Ave; Thursday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.,; weekend: closed.
- Westport Library: 20 Jesup Road; Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
- Westport/Weston Family YMCA: 14 Alan Raymond Lane; Thursday-Friday: 5:30 AM-9:00 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Mo\CA CT: 19 Newtown Turnpike; Friday 12-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 12–5 p.m.
For shelter needs outside of warming center hours, or for overnight accommodations, call 211.
Public safety recommendations include:
- Avoid unnecessary travel Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
- Allow Public Works crews space to clear roadways safely.
- After the storm, clear a 3-foot radius around nearby fire hydrants.
- Prepare for extended cold by checking heating systems and supplies.
- Monitor official Westport channels for updates.
- Stay informed: Text 06880 to 888777 to receive Westport alerts via Nixle.
Thank you Nick and Elaine and Kevin and all our town employees like police and fire and Dpw and parks and recreation with all the storms this year so far and all year long thanks for your service to the town of Westport
With storms like this one, and some in the past like the one where we got 39 inches, if you have to shovel, either start early and clear the snow several times in the day during the storm. It’s better to shovel 1 to 2 inches of snow 6 times a day or more that to wait and shovel 12+ inches all at one time. If you have to shovel deep snow, it is best to take it slow and take it away in layers from the top to bottom as you go along. Also, plan ahead before shoveling where you are going to put the snow as you clear it so you don’t pile snow up in a spot where you still need to shovel and make it ten times harder on yourself. If you are older, it pays to literally pay a teenage neighbor to shovel you out and clear around your house. Another tip, spray your shovel with cooking spray or WD-40 and wipe it in really well. Do this especially if the snow is heavy and wet. I lived in the White Mountains in New Hampshire when I was younger and we also had to shovel the roofs of chalets in a resort. The best part of that was being lifted up to the roof in the bucket of a payloader then jumping off the roof in the snow to get down! Good luck, make it fun and stay safe!