HARTFORD, Conn — Gov. Ned Lamont issued an order Monday evening banning all tandem or empty tractor-trailers from the state's limited access highways starting at midnight Tuesday morning and extending until further notice.
The ban on tandem tractor-trailers and empty tractor-trailers will be done in coordination with neighboring New York and Massachusetts, who are enacting similar bans on their roads during the storm.
For a list of limited-access highways in Connecticut, click here.
Lamont has also ordered executive state branch buildings to close to the public on Tuesday due to the storm.
The governor is directing that:
- All level 1 executive branch state employees should report to work as scheduled or directed;
- All level 2 executive branch state employees whose job duties can be completed remotely should telework, or they may request use of accrued leave; and
- All level 2 executive branch state employees whose job duties cannot be completed remotely should not report to work in-person.
Avelo Airlines postponed all flights on Tuesday until Wednesday out of and returning to Tweed New Haven airport.
Meanwhile, road treatments are being loaded and trucks are getting set for the second significant snow storm of 2024.
All day Monday crews across the state were preparing equipment and pre-treating roadways.
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam had advice for residents, "Stay home. Stay warm and stay inside if you can."
Connecticut’s Department of Transportation spokesperson Josh Morgan described Monday as the calm before the storm.
"For the most part, our folks are home they're resting they're relaxing today, because when they get that call to come in tonight, they'll be on the road through Tuesday."
The DOT has more than 600 snowplow trucks and 900 drivers ready to tackle the snow and ice. "This is going to be a statewide event. So, we'll be out with full force through the day on Tuesday."
Arulampalam said, "We have 30 trucks ready to go. As you can see behind us we have salt ready to go… we can only keep the streets clear if you guys work with this get your cars off the streets."
Arulampalam is instituting a city-wide parking ban starting Monday at 8 p.m. to give plow drivers room to do their jobs.
"Get your cars off the road the second that snow ban is announced,” said Lt. Paul Cicero. Hartford Police, Traffic Division. “Don't wait for the snow to hit. If you wait for that snow to hit, it might be too late."
RELATED: Historic storm sends debris through L.A.'s Hollywood Hills and leaves 1.1 million without power
"If people are able to work from home or delay travel outside of the rush hour on Tuesday, that would be incredibly helpful,” said Morgan "But we certainly know that not everyone has that privilege. So, if people are out and they need to be out, please please give yourself extra time. It's not going to be an easy commute by any means tomorrow. So, give yourself some extra time leave plenty of distance between other vehicles and certainly don't crowd our plows."
RELATED: Storm Closings
Emma Wulfhorst is a political reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at ewulfhorst@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.