ATTN Stratford residents: Please see the following message from Mayor Chess regarding the snowstorm.
A major winter storm is in the forecast that will impact the eastern U.S. and will likely be the largest winter storm to impact our region since 2013. The weather forecast shows heavy snow coming to the area Saturday into Monday. The heaviest snow is projected to fall Sunday into a portion of Sunday night. With the event still two days out, forecast details will be refined and bolstered over the next 48 hours.
Our top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all our residents. We will be monitoring the weather closely and working hard to keep everyone safe. We will continue to update residents on social media and our website at www.stratfordct.gov throughout the weekend and into Monday.
Our Department of Public Works (DPW) is prepared to handle the snow, and you will see our snowplow trucks clearing the snow until all our roads are safe. Please keep in mind that there are over 800 roads that need to be plowed and that our team needs to pace themselves during what will likely be a 36-hour storm and stay well-rested and safe during snow-plowing operations. We ask everyone for their patience during this process as our DPW team works tirelessly to ensure the roads are safe for travel.
I want to remind residents to please plan ahead. This storm is projected to bring considerable disruption to transportation and daily life Sunday into Monday from heavy snowfall, high snowfall rates, and blowing and drifting snow.
In anticipation of the snowstorm, the Town of Stratford has implemented a Parking Ban to facilitate snow removal. Residents need to park on the odd-numbered side of the street. The parking ban goes into effect on Sunday, January 25th, at 8:00 AM and will remain in effect until all streets are cleared. We will also make an announcement on social media once the parking ban is lifted. This measure is part of the town's efforts to manage the snowfall and ensure safe and efficient snow removal operations. Police will be actively ticketing and towing vehicles that aren’t in compliance.
In Preparation of the storm, the Town of Stratford recommends do the following to prepare:
Make sure your car’s tank is filled
Make sure your oil burning furnaces have oil.
Space heaters should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Space heaters should be plugged directly into an outlet.
Keep snow clear from direct vent boilers and hot water heaters exhaust locations
Do not use gas stove for heat.
Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Make sure you have a communication plan in place with family if there is a need.
If you need groceries, please shop by Saturday, ahead of the snowstorm.
During the height of the storm if you don’t have to drive, please stay off the roads
If there is a need for your generator, please have it in an open-air area. And don’t forget to check your fuel supply.
Make sure you have full oxygen tanks if you are on oxygen.
Make sure your prescriptions are up to date.
If you lose power, please call UI at 800-722-5584.
For additional information on preparing your family and home for winter weather, visit: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
For weather related alerts/ notifications, we recommend downloading the FEMA app or American Red Cross- Emergency App. Both are available for free for Apple or Android devices or weather-related alerts/ notifications: Download the FEMA app or the register on the City's Emergency notification system and opt-in to receive weather updates.
Stay safe everyone.