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Norwalk Declares Snow Emergency, Offers Safety Tips As Storm Approaches

NORWALK, CONN. – Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, in anticipation of Tuesday’s blizzard, has declared a snow emergency in the city, starting at 4 p.m. today (Monday, March 13).

Norwalk declared a snow emergency at 4 p.m. Monday, March 13. A major winter storm is expected to hit in the evening and continue through Tuesday afternoon, leaving up to 18 inches of snow in its wake.

Norwalk declared a snow emergency at 4 p.m. Monday, March 13. A major winter storm is expected to hit in the evening and continue through Tuesday afternoon, leaving up to 18 inches of snow in its wake.

 Photo Credit: Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's Office
Carol Reif

During a storm this size, power outages and minor to moderate coastal flooding are expected.

Snow will start falling around 10 p.m. and get heavier Tuesday before the storm moves away in the late afternoon or evening. Wind gusts could reach 44 mph.

.Here’s what you need to know:

  • Parking: There will be no parking on posted snow emergency routes so plows will be able to get through. Anyone parked illegally during the emergency will be ticketed and/or towed. Residents can park in either the Maritime Garage, 11 North Water St., or the Yankee Doodle Garage, 3 Burnell Blvd., for no extra charge, Rilling said.
  • Sidewalks: Residents and businesses are required by city code to keep sidewalks clear.
  • Schools: Public schools will be closed and government buildings are expected to be closed.
  • Trash pick-up: Garbage and recyclables will be picked up a day later than scheduled.
  • Emergency shelters: In the event of significant power outages, Brien McMahon High School, located at 300 Highland Ave., ((203) 852-9488) will be used an emergency shelter or drop-in center.

In addition to the city’s website and social media sites, the Code Red system may be used to update residents.

Rilling was advising residents to listen to NOAA weather radio or check local forecasts and news reports regularly.

Residents should report power outages to their electric provider. They shouldn’t assume that the provider knows about the outage or that someone else has called.

Keep cell phones and other mobile devices charged. Text messages can often go even if cell phone calls can’t.

Emergency supplies kit, including water, and copies of important documents, should be kept in a waterproof, portable container, in an easily accessible location.

Be a good neighbor. Check on friends or family members who may need help with shoveling.

If you’re able, clear a 3- foot area around fire hydrant sand a path to the street to help Norwalk firefighters

But most of all, Rilling advised, residents should exercise good, old common sense.

They may not only risk their own lives chasing a thrill, but they may endanger the lives of first responders as well.

For additional safety tips, visit www.ready.gov.

For social media updates, like the city’s Office of Emergency Management on Facebook – NorwalkOEM, or follow it on Twitter @Norwalk_OEM..

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