Community Corner

Westport: Winter Storm Janus Central

Westport Patch will post updates to this "hub" article throughout Winter Storm Janus, including how things are going in town and links to all separate articles published on the site.

[UPDATE - 2:30 p.m.] All Department of Motor Vehicles offices will close today at 2:45 p.m. due to the inclement weather. Consult the DMV website at ct.gov/dmv for further updates regarding the opening times of offices tomorrow following the storm.
---

[UPDATE - 1:30 p.m.] Malloy is urging residents to take it slow and avoid travel during the height of the storm Tuesday night.

"I am asking residents to take it slow as they head out for the afternoon commute and to avoid travel during the height of the storm tonight," said Governor Malloy. "If you do not need to be on the road tonight, please stay home as road conditions and visibility will be deteriorating rapidly. I’ve also asked all executive branch agencies to enact their early dismissal plans so that we are not bogged down during the usual evening rush, right when the snow is forecasted to pick up. Private sector companies may want to consider similar plans.”

---

[UPDATE - 12:30 p.m.] 
The Westport First Selectman’s Office issued the following statement regarding the upcoming winter storm:

"The second winter storm of 2014 has started and will continue through Wednesday morning. There are several factors that may make this storm as dangerous as the first storm almost three weeks ago:

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Expected snow accumulations of 6-10 inches will make driving dangerous late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
  • Strong winds may result in downed electrical lines and loss of power.
  • Frigid temperatures may create additional hardships for some citizens, particularly the elderly.

Snow plows and supplies are ready. Key personnel will remain at a Public Works facility to ensure the streets become passable for emergency vehicles and residents in the shortest period possible. CL&P is in continual contact with the town’s emergency management staff and will have additional resources available to repair electrical problems. Westport’s Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the situation and will provide emergency updates as necessary.

It is recommended that residents take the following precautions:

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Avoid driving tonight and Wednesday morning.
  • Stock up on water, food, supplies, and flashlights in the event of a power outage.
  • Check on neighbors who may require additional assistance.
    Subscribe to Westport’s CodeRED system at https://cne.coderedweb.com/  or NIXLE at http://www.nixle.com/ be notified of emergency situations. 

If you are using your fireplace or woodstove, use utmost caution and let the ashes remain in the fireplace for several days until there are no remaining hot embers. If you use portable space heaters in your home, be extremely careful and remember that space heaters require SPACE—nothing that can burn should be within three feet of any part of the heater."

---

[UPDATE - 11:40 a.m.] Heavy snow and winds could cause power outages in areas of Connecticut this evening. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) offers tips to keep families safe and comfortable during winter storms.

---

[UPDATE - 11:15 a.m.] The regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting scheduled for tonight has been cancelled due to the snow storm.

---

[UPDATE - 10 a.m.] Westport Public Schools have an early dismissal Tuesday due to the impending storm. 

---

[ORIGINAL STORY - 9 a.m.] Heavy snow and severe cold weather are headed for Fairfield County today, as some afternoon accumulation will give way to freezing temps and the potential for up to 10 inches of snow Tuesday evening into Wednesday.


A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) and will remain in effect throughout the duration of the storm, which has been dubbed Winter Storm Janus.

Some snow is expected throughout the day but the bulk of the snow is expected to fall Tuesday evening into early Wednesday morning. There will be sustained north winds of 10 to 20 mph causing wind chills of up to 10 degrees below zero.

The snow will be heavy at times and significant blowing and drifting is expected, according to the NWS. Six to 10 inches of snow are forecast with winds gusting to 30 mph causing whiteout conditions with visibility limited to a quarter-mile or less.

Monday Gov. Dannel P. Malloy urged anyone in need of shelter to call 2-1-1 and encouraged local communities to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to help people in need. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here