HARTFORD -- It's the calm before the storm, so to speak, but the Connecticut Department of Transportation will be ramping things up throughout the day ahead of a storm that could produce nearly a foot of snow across the state on Thursday.
Get the latest forecast here.
The DOT has 634 plows and 250 contractors that are expected to be used during this storm.
The plan is to pre-treat the roads to get a jump-start on keeping them as clear as possible. The plows will then hit the road about an hour before it starts to snow.
The DOT has tips for you during the storm:
- 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
During the last snow storm, State Police responded to nearly 475 incidents, including stranded motorists.
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.
Some communities have issued parking bans. The list can be found here.
Hamden has opened warming centers in anticipation of inclement weather in the forthcoming days.