Westport officials have declared a Local Civil Preparedness Emergency, in advance of the predicted major winter storm.
The declaration activates the town’s Local Emergency Operations Plan, and authorizes coordination of all emergency response assets.
The Town’s Emergency Operations Center will open at approximately 5 p.m. under a partial hybrid activation, with Chief Nicholas Marsan and Deputy Chief Matthew Cohen present to coordinate operations.
Updated Storm Forecast
Timing: Snow begins approximately 1 p.m. today (Sunday), and continues through Monday evening.
Accumulation: 18–24 inches of heavy, wet snow is forecast.
Winds: Gusts of 60 to 70 miles per hour; strongest along the shoreline.
Coastal Flood Warning: Midnight to 5 a.m. Monday. Moderate coastal flooding is possible during the early Monday morning high tide.
Travel: Major impacts expected; travel may become dangerous or impossible at times.
Public Safety Directives
Parking ban: Effective noon Sunday. Residents are strongly encouraged to park in driveways and other off-street locations whenever possible.
If you must park in the street, then park only on the side of the street that corresponds with the calendar date.
Even house numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8.
Odd house numbers end in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.
– Sunday: Park on the EVEN-numbered side
– Monday (2/23): Park on the ODD-numbered side
Stay off the roads: Travel should be avoided once snowfall intensifies.
Prepare for power outages: Hazardous winds and snow may delay restoration efforts.
Generator safety: Operate generators outdoors only, and away from structures.
Prepare for prolonged cold: Extended cold temperatures are forecast following the storm.
Sign up for alerts: Text “06880” to 888777 to receive emergency notifications via Nixle.
Update Community Connect: Ensure your contact information and special needs details are current to assist first responders: https://www.communityconnect.io/info/ct-westport
Check on neighbors: Especially elderly or vulnerable residents who may need assistance during extended outages.
There was a town alert sent via nixle today at 12:34pm that is a bit different from the message in above article: https://local.nixle.com/alert/12212605/?sub_id=0
Particularly this alert has a mandatory parking ban. Why is it different from the advisory posted on the town website?
“A major winter storm is arriving this afternoon. To ensure public safety and effective snow removal, the Town of Westport has issued the following emergency directives:
* Mandatory Parking Ban: Effective immediately, all vehicles must be removed from town roadways. Vehicles remaining on the street impede plowing and emergency response.”
I think the nixle alert is the most recent update (sent today at 12:34pm). The town website advisory is from Feb 21 at 12pm, so most likely the town website is not yet updated with the latest alert.
I asked Nick Marsan, town emergency management director. He said: “we are continuing to refine our response and preparation protocols as we receive updated guidance from the State and other resources. Residents are strongly advised to avoid parking their vehicles on the street whenever possible. If no other option exists, that is completely understood. This request is intended to allow our Public Works Department to clear roadways as efficiently and safely as possible.”
As usual…thank you Dan!!
The odd and even numbers were especially helpful 😜🇺🇸