CONNECTICUT, USA — As Connecticut is set to see the first significant snowfall in nearly two years, state officials are reminding residents to be safe and patient on the roads.
The storm system will make its way up to New England this weekend, with snowfall expected to begin between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday. Heavier snowfall will develop after 11 p.m. and will last into Sunday morning.
Impressive snowfall rates are expected, up to 1 to 2 inches per hour. This is when road conditions could be the most difficult, and plows will be out for the first time this season.
Most of the state will see anywhere between 6 inches to a foot of snow, with lower amounts at the shoreline between 3 inches and 6 inches.
As Sunday progresses, the heavier snow will move out by mid-to-late morning, and there may be some mixing with rain on the shoreline.
"We know what to do," Gov. Ned Lamont said during a briefing Friday morning with other emergency personnel officials, stressing the importance of staying safe if people had to travel.
Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Ecualitto said his recommendation is for people to not be on the roads, to stay home, and to give the crews space to do their work.
"Most importantly, slow down and don't crowd the plow," Ecualitto said.
Officials said that the timing of the storm helps hopefully reduce any traffic issues the snow may cause.
Eucalitto said that while the CT DOT will be ready and there won't be any salt shortages, a driver shortage may impact plow times. According to the commissioner, while there are around 900 drivers in the department, there are 115 vacancies, and about a quarter of their contractors are also short.
"The fewer drivers we have, the longer it takes us," said Eucalitto.
Col. Daniel Loughman with the Connecticut State Police encouraged people to stay home if possible but said it's not always feasible. Loughmann said that if residents have to head out onto the roads during the storm, they check the forecast and road conditions.
He also encouraged drivers to let family and/or friends know of said travel plans and bring a fully charged cell phone. Be sure windshield wipers and your car battery are fully operational, and clear vehicles of all snow and ice before heading out onto the roadways.
Loughmann, Lamont, and Eucalitto stressed the importance of letting the plows do their job while they clear the highways and roads of snow.
Loughmann also said drivers should slow down and move over if they see state police on the side of the road helping motorists.
"I think you got the message loud and clear," Lamont said, "Let them do their job, let them do their job safely."
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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