UPDATES: Winter Storm Batters Milford with Snow, Ice

UPDATE at 6:55 p.m.

As the sleet and freezing rain slowly falls now, encouraging many residents to come outside to shovel and dig themselves out, you may think that the worst part of today's storm is over. 

Think again.

Another round of heavy snow is headed our way late tonight, with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour, according to the latest National Weather Service winter storm warning.

The light freezing rain will gradually change over to sleet and snow as the evening moves along, and then change to all snow around midnight — becoming heavy at times.

Even a few rumbles of thunder are possible, as the unsettled weather pattern moves through the region overnight. 

Additional accumulations of snow and ice of 4 to 9 inches are expected, with statewide totals reaching anywhere from 10 to 22 inches of snow.

UPDATE at 6:35 p.m.

Gov. Dannel Malloy has declared a state of emergency in hopes of securing federal funding, as many towns face road salt shortages, given the number of winter weather events so far this season.

UPDATE at 1:55 p.m.

Due to continued snowfall and deteriorating road conditions, effective immediately: all city buildings will be closed to the public.

At this time, Milford Mayor Ben Blake reports that city buildings will reopen tomorrow morning as normally scheduled.

UPDATE at 11:25 a.m.

It looks as though the near blizzard conditions the area has been experiencing since earlier this morning, will now continue well into the afternoon.

The National Weather service just issued an updated special weather statement warning the heavy snowfall — up to 2 to 4 inches an hour — and high guts will continue to sit over the region for a few more hours.

"Snow will gradually mix with or change to sleet from south to north during this time period," the meteorologists report, adding an additional 3 to 6 inches of snow are possible through the early afternoon.

Snowfall expectations for the northern parts of the state remain at some 8 to 12 inches. The southern portion of Connecticut, however, will now see upwards of 16 inches of snow today.

UPDATE at 8:50 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning of "near blizzard conditions" this morning along the southern portion of the state — including Milford.

As the latest band of heavy snow sits atop the region, snow fall rates will be in the 2 to 4 inches per hour range. That heavy snow along with rising wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour will significantly reduce visibility. 

The blizzard-like conditions are expected to ease as the temperature rises and a wintry mix develops.

"Snow will mix with and possibly change to sleet and rain late this afternoon and evening, before changing back to all snow tonight," the meteorologists stated in their report. "The snow will taper off after midnight."

The coastal flood watch for coastal Connecticut is no longer in effect, according to the National Weather Service's latest weather updates.

The current winter storm warning, however, remains in effect until 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. 

UPDATE at 8 a.m. on Thursday

The city of Milford's trash pickups are on for today, according to the public works department. The pickups along the routes just may be a little slower than usual. 

UPDATE at 7:45 p.m.

There will be no classes tomorrow for Milford Public Schools, as the district will be closed due to the storm.

UPDATE at 3:35 p.m.

In addition to the winter storm warning, a flood watch has also been issued for Milford, as well as much of the shoreline.

The nor'easter is expected to cause minor coastal flooding during the high tides late Thursday at 10:22 p.m. and early Friday at 6:49 a.m.

UPDATE at 1:35 p.m.

Milford Police are asking residents and businesses help do their part to make the roadways and sidewalks safer for travel" during the upcoming winter storm, according to Public Information Officer Jeffrey Nielsen.

Below is some important snow-related information passed along from the department:

• Alternate Side of Street Parking: Alternate side of the street parking is in effect on all city streets where parking is otherwise permitted on both sides of the street without further notice.
• Odd-numbered: Parking will be allowed on the odd-numbered side of the street (side of the street having odd numbered street addresses) on odd-numbered days of the month from 8:00 am on the day thereof until 8:00 am on the following day.
• Even-numbered: Parking will be allowed on the even-numbered side of the street (side of the street having even numbered street addresses) on even-numbered days of the month from 8:00 am on the day thereof until 8:00 am on the following day.
• Vehicles found in violation may be issued a parking ticket (Snow Emergency Zone) and may be removed by towing at the direction of the Milford Police Department.
• Snow or ice deposits on streets/sidewalks: Any person that causes snow or ice to be deposited on any public street or sidewalk within the City of Milford may be issued an infraction ticket.
• Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks: All snow and ice shall be removed from the sidewalks of the City by the owner, tenant or occupant of the premise adjoining and fronting every such sidewalk within 24 hours after the storm, during which such snow or ice was precipitated, shall have ceased. The responsible owner, tenant or occupant may be issued an infraction ticket for non-compliance.

"Your help in complying with weather related city ordinances and assisting with the snow and ice clearing of streets and sidewalks is greatly appreciated," Nielsen stated in a press release.

ORIGINAL POST

With the arrival of the arrival of the region's latest nor'easter only hours away, the City of Milford has declared a snow emergency.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the city, as well as much of the rest of the state. 

The warning goes into effect at midnight tonight and will run through to 6 a.m. on Friday.

Currently, the shoreline is expected to receive some 6 to 10 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain. 

Parking Ban

Alternate side of the street parking will go into effect beginning tomorrow morning, according to Mayor Ben Blake's office.

Cars parked on city roads should be parked on the odd number side of the street on Thursday, Feb. 13 until 8 a.m. until Friday, Feb. 14.  On Friday, Feb. 14, cars should be moved to the even number side of the street.   

The alternate side of the street parking ban will be lifted at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14.

"This ban will allow plows to keep roads passable and accessible to emergency vehicles," Blake stated in a press release.

Off-Street Parking Encouraged

He added that off-street parking should be used where it is possible. 

In addition, city residents are reminded that they are responsible for shoveling snow and ice from their sidewalks and property.

Milford Patch will continue to provide weather-related updates, including school closures and any power outages, as it develops.