Clearing Weston Road; Main Roads Nearly Cleared to Blacktop
Most main roads were cleared or being cleared by 3:00 PM today as snow and then freezing rain blanketed the community. Roads remained very slippery as ice remained a hazard.
Weston Road Clear
Weston Road was all clear this morning as schools in the Town closed for the day with the expect snow storm moving into the area.
Snowfall Amounts Decreased as Slow Moving Storm Trudges towards Westport
Snow accumulations were decreased with the National Weather Service, NYC’s latest weather discussion, and start times were delayed as the slow-mover continues its way East.
There is now just a 10% chance that we will see 7 inches of snow by the time the storm ends tomorrow evening, and a 90% chance we’ll see around 4 inches. The storm is slow moving, with start times for heavier snow now closer to noon.
Weston Public Schools and Norwalk Public Schools both called full virtual days today, with Fairfield calling for early dismissals of their schools
Morning Weather Report [02/18/21]: Snow
Today:
Snow, mainly after 8am. High near 29. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Northeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Tonight:
Snow. Steady temperature around 27. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Tomorrow:
Snow. High near 34. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. Northeast wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Tomorrow Night:
A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 24. North wind 5 to 8 mph.
Alerts:
Winter Weather Advisory: February 18, 04:00am until February 19, 07:00pm
Storm Report: Snow Begins Early; 4”-6” of Snow Forecasted; New England Winter Strikes Again
Winter Weather Advisory: Effective 04:00 AM Thursday - 7:00 PM Friday. A long duration light to moderate snow event is expected.
Light to moderate snow is forecast, with heavier snow beginning around 10:00 AM.Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches, possibilities to reach 8 inches.Travel will be difficult, causing surrounding school districts to possibly close.Temperatures will be around 25 degrees today, with 10 mph wind chills closer to 15-20 degrees.
The Editor’s Take
Meteorologists are predicting that the winter weather will begin in Westport sometime after 6:00 AM Thursday morning, and will continue through Friday afternoon - earlier than previously expected. Forecasts describe that NYC could have 1” of snow on the ground by 8AM tomorrow as the storm moves East.
This will create a very messy commute during the day, although this storm will certainly be more calm than previous storms experienced this winter. Thursday road conditions will be the worst of the two days. The NWS NYC discusses Friday’s impact: “Potential for an additional 1 to 3 inches of snow areawide, although with mid February sun angle and temps in the upper 20s interior/lower 30s coast, road impacts would likely be limited during the day. If snow did linger into Fri evening, there is potential for one more hazardous commute.”
Snow amounts may be higher depending on the movement of the system, with accumulations of 8” or more possible. Some sleet or freezing rain is possible for southern regions Thursday evening, although unlikely for Westport.
Heaviest snowfall will take place during late Thursday morning into the afternoon period, with light snow continuing through Friday evening. Thursday snowfall could be as fast as 1” per hour.
Residents are reminded to stay off of the roads, make sure all electronics are fully charged (including flashlights and phones), assure sump pumps are in working order, check that any loose outdoor decoration or furniture is secured, and prepare to keep doorways into homes clear of snow in case of emergencies. Residents should check on elderly or immobile neighbors for all of the above while remaining socially distant. Residents should also assure their phones are registered to receive emergency text or phone messages from the Town of Westport by texting “06880” to 888777, or by visiting the website: Town of Westport Emergency Notifications.
Westport Public Schools are closed - so please keep Fairfield, Weston, and Norwalk school districts in your thoughts, as they all have school scheduled for Thursday as of Wednesday night. This storm may close those schools Thursday, and possibly Friday.
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
Salads for the Snow Day as Shelves are Emptied of Greens
Shelves in the produce section of Trader Joe’s were bare at closing this evening as many flocked to the store ahead of tomorrow’s wintry weather.
Morning Weather Report [02/17/21]: Sunny Today, Winter Storm Watch Tomorrow
All forecasts and weather alerts come from National Weather Service, NYC. Today:
Sunny, with a high near 34. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight:
A 20 percent chance of snow after 4am [Thursday]. Increasing clouds, with a low around 20. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tomorrow:
Snow, mainly after 10am. High near 27. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Northeast wind 6 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Tomorrow Night:
Snow. Temperature rising to around 30 by 3am. Northeast wind 11 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Alerts:
Winter Storm Watch: February 18, 06:00am until February 19, 06:00am
Ice Possible this Morning as Rest of Country Experiences Debilitating Storms; Temperatures Will Rise towards Noon
With much of the country experiencing a debilitating storm, Westport will wake up to rain and possibly ice this morning as overnight precipitation and low temperatures may lead to a slick sunrise commute. Temperatures will rise today towards nearly 50 degrees, although wind chills will stunt them in the 40s. Slight chances of rain will remain today through noon.
Whiteout at Longshore Gazebo Yesterday
Whiteout conditions at Longshore’s gazebo yesterday afternoon.
Slippery Commute Possible Today; Snow, Sleet Returns This Week
Saugatuck Elementary School’s driveway was clear of all snow, however ice quickly became an issue overnight. Today | Mostly Sunny and Dry; 30 Degrees
Ice is possible on the roads this morning, as low temperatures will hinder the ability of salt and de-icing liquids until the sun rises, warming the roads and allowing the substances to fully work. With schools operating on a two hour delay, this gives the roadways enough time to warm up, thaw, and remain safe for parents and buses.
Temperatures will be around 30 degrees today; mostly sunny.
Tomorrow | Snow, Sleet Possible; 36 Degrees
A chance of snow before 8am, then snow and sleet likely. Cloudy, with a high near 36. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. East wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Wednesday | Sunny; 32 Degrees
Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.
Thursday | Snow Possible; 32 Degrees
A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32.
Friday | Rain & Snow Possible; 36 Degrees
A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Forecasts from National Weather Service, NYC