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Travel Conditions Deteriorating In Fairfield County As Storm Intensifies

UPDATED: FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. — If you're thinking of heading out in Fairfield County this snowy Thursday morning, you may want to think again. 

A jackknifed tractor-trailer on I-95 northbound between Exits 4 and 5 is blocking the left lane on Thursday morning. The lanes of the highway are not visible.

A jackknifed tractor-trailer on I-95 northbound between Exits 4 and 5 is blocking the left lane on Thursday morning. The lanes of the highway are not visible.

Photo Credit: Connecticut Department of Transportation

Connecticut State Police are warning that highways and roads are snow-covered and slippery — and visibility is poor with snow falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. (Up to 14 inches is expected in Fairfield County.) 

And besides, your destination is probably closed because of the severity of the storm. All schools and colleges are closed in Fairfield County and most City Halls and Town Halls, many major employers and even the malls are closed, too.    

Traffic is very light on I-95 and I-84, according to the cameras for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. But snow is piling up and drifting already by 9:30 a.m. Thursday. 

In Greenwich, a jackknifed tractor-trailer accident was blocked a lane of traffic on I-95 northbound between Exits 4 and 5 earlier Thursday morning but has been cleared, the DOT said.

On Metro-North, trains were experiencing difficulties as well. Service on the New Haven Line is experiencing delays of up to 25 minutes due to a switch problem in the vicinity of Harrison.

And due to the storm, Metro-North was advising passengers to allow for additional time to get to the stations. Delays, cancellations and train combinations may occur depending upon the severity of the snow storm, Metro-North said.

The Connecticut State Police offered this travel advice:

  • check weather and traffic reports before heading out;
  • clear vehicles of all ice and snow - no peepholes - completely clear windows, and vehicle;
  • reduce speed;
  • increase following distance (if the vehicle in front of you crashes you don't want to crash, too);
  • avoid distractions — concentrate on driving, not your cellphone;
  • if you spin-out or crash turn on vehicle hazard lights and move out of the travel portion if possible;
  • turn your headlights on so other motorists can see you;
  • windshield wipers on so you can see other motorists;
  • make sure your vehicle has enough gas;
  • give state and local DOT plows plenty of room so they can clear and/or treat highways and roadways; and
  • call 911 if you need assistance

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