Super Bowl Snowstorm Doesn’t Deter all Shoppers
Today’s snow storm didn’t deter all shoppers from getting to Main Street, with only a few stores or restaurants open - some braved the weather, took advantage of the parking, and headed downtown for their Sunday.
Keeping Main Street Clear
Niro Construction personnel work to keep sidewalks clear in front of Avery Place and Main Street shopping areas this afternoon as the light, fluffy snow blanketed the town.
Country Look on North Avenue
A barn on North Avenue at Wedgewood Road could bring residents back to the community’s former farming days as the red washed structure stood out in today’s snow.
Jogging in the Snow
A dedicated runner navigates snow and cars along Hales Road at Greens Farms Road.
Full Storm Report: Storm Warning Begins at 6:00 AM; 6” of Snow Expected; Hail Mary of a Super Bowl Commute
From the National Weather Service, New York City - 02/06-17:00 UpdateWinter Storm Warning: Effective 06:00 AM Sunday - 9:00 PM Sunday. Hazardous Road Conditions Expected.
Snowfall rates: 1-2”/hr likely
Visibility: 1/4 mile or less at times
Temps: Upper 20s-Lower 30s on Sunday, Lower 20s Sun Night
Wind Gusts: 20-30 mph Sunday Afternoon & Night for coast.
Probability of Snow Accumulations
90% Chance of 2 or more inches of snow
64% Chance of 4 or more inches of snow
44% Chance of 6 or more inches of snow
30% Chance of 8 or more inches of snow
10% Chance of 10 or more inches of snow
The Editor’s Take
Meteorologists are predicting that the winter weather will begin in Westport sometime before dawn today, and will continue straight through until late tonight.
Snow will be heaviest between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, but could continue later depending on fluctuating weather patterns and snow bands.
Snow totals are being forecasted as no less than 2 inches, with the possibility to reach towards 8 inches.
Super Bowl Fumble
The timing of this storm causes concern for those on the roads today and tonight, especially those leaving Super Bowl events.
With forecast snowfall of 1” - 2” per hour during the day today, roads conditions could deteriorate quickly as families grab last minute groceries or pick up food orders.
Snow is forecast to end around the same time as the big game; crews will be hard at work clearing roads for the Monday morning commute as freezing overnight temperatures will create an icy scene.
Monday School & Work Commute
Although snow will end in the evening, icey morning conditions are possible for tomorrow - especially for small roadways and parking lots. A delayed school opening is slightly possible if ice remains a problem overnight.
Numbers to Know:
Emergency: 911
Eversource: Report a power outage: text “OUT” to 23129; call 800-286-2000; online www.eversource.com/CustomerCare/ReportOutage.
Westport Police: Non-Emergency: 203-341-6000
Westport Fire Department: Non-Emergency: 203-341-5000
Westport Public Schools: Emergency Line: 203-341-1766
Westport Department of Human Services: Social Services: 203-341-1050
Snow Melts Just in Time for More Snow
As today’s welcomed warm weather this past week’s snow, the visible patches of grass may soon find themselves covered again as snow is forecasted to begin early tomorrow morning.
The National Weather Service, NYC describes a high chance of snow accumulations between 4 and 6 inches, with low chances of 8 inches or more. Forecasts predict the snow will end around the same time as tomorrow’s Super Bowl LV, about 10:00 PM.
NWS Snow Totals: Norwalk 15.9”, Weston 14.1“, Westport: Not Counted
According to the National Weather Service, NYC: the snow totals are in, except Westport.
Norwalk’s trained spotter recorded an official 15.9 inches of snow, with Weston’s recording 14.1 inches.
Westport is not included in the official data set published by the NWS NYC due to the lack of an observer, spotter, or weather center in the community. An unofficial total around town reached between 13 and 14 inches of snow, however the storm brought light to the lack of an official number available to residents.
Snow Day Tradition Continues at Winslow Park as Dozens Grab their Sleds
Dozens of families headed to the Winslow Park hill for an afternoon of sledding.
Westport Public Schools Learning Remotely Today as Town Digs Out
Westport’s Staples High School around 11:00 PM last night as crews began to tackle the task of clearing the expansive property’s parking lots and sidewalks of snow and ice. Westport Public Schools Superintendent announced yesterday that due to “ongoing clean-up efforts by the Department of Public Works and the need for our custodians to spend time clearing the schools”, Westport Public Schools would all be learning-from-home today instead of another snow day.
Today would have been the second day of full-in learning for the district’s elementary and middle school students, something that the Westport Teachers’ Union said they were still against during last night’s Board of Education meeting. President of the WEA cited inability to access COVID-19 vaccinations when describing the teachers’ not wanting to leave the former hybrid model. But with parking lots and sidewalks most likely cleared by this afternoon, tomorrow will start a new chapter in Westport’s pandemic learning model as the first full day of school will greet students and staff members. Superintendent Thomas Scarice reminded families that in order to keep kids in school, kids and adults need to remain socially distant outside of school - where the majority of any virus transmission is being linked to taking place.