HARTFORD — Snow is finally slowing down Thursday, but the state is still weathering the storm. Governor Dannel Malloy held a news briefing Thursday around 4 p.m. from the Emergency Operations Center to discuss the state’s progress.
He said with low visibility and heavy snowfall, emergency calls are keeping crews extremely busy. But now that the snow is winding down, he asked that third shift workers do report to work as scheduled.
The Democrat said Thursday afternoon that state police had responded to more than 600 calls including 68 accidents — none with fatalities and only four with injuries.
Malloy says the state’s cold weather protocols will be implemented Thursday afternoon to protect people from expected below-zero wind chills. Delays of up to 25 minutes were reported on Metro-North’s New Haven Line rail service. Transit bus service was ordered suspended.
The governor says state highways are open and passable with nearly 1,000 plows out clearing the roads but he’s still urging you to stay indoors unless you have no other choice but to venture out.
The Department of Motor Vehicles said it will give extensions to people whose licenses, ID cards, registrations and other similar DMV credentials expire today and during the next few days. The extensions will run through Wednesday, February 15.
Due to the state holiday on Monday, DMV offices will close tomorrow, Friday, at 12:30 p.m. and reopen Tuesday, February 14, at 7:45 a.m. AAA offices will be open Friday, Saturday and Monday for license and ID card renewals.
Renewals under this extension must be done by on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Emissions tests are not affected by this extension.
The governor says with cold dangerously cold temperatures later Thursday, the state is implementing the cold weather protocol to make sure people who are homeless have a warm place to stay.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has 634 plows and 250 contractors that are expected to be used during this storm.
The DOT has tips for you during the storm:Â
- Never pass on right side of plows
- If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you
- Don’t drive next to a plow
- Stay back at least three car lengths
Some tips from State Police to keep you safe are:
- Be alert and avoid distractions inside your car
- Drive in lanes that have already been driven in
- Clean off your vehicle before driving or face a fine of up to $120
Also, the state has a new trip planning tool called CT Travel Smart. The program allows you to get real-time conditions that can be customized for your specific route which includes access to the DOT cameras around the state.