MERIDEN, Conn. (WFSB) – Governor Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocols as arctic air moves into the state during the holiday period.

The protocols were set to go into effect Christmas Day at 5 p.m. and remain active until Sunday, Dec. 28. Warming shelters were expected to be open statewide during this period. Residents were told to call 211 to find a shelter near them.

Click HERE for the latest forecast from Channel 3’s meteorologists.

Families brave cold for holiday traditions

Despite the frigid temperatures, families continued holiday traditions at locations like Hubbard Park in Meriden, where visitors bundled up to see the Festival of Silver Lights.

“It’s a yearly thing we do every single year. We’re from the town and we’re local. It’s nice to be out here and see the lights,” said Erwin Ndwiga of Meriden.

His family member Melissa Ndwiga shared her cold weather strategy: “If I’m going to wear a short sleeve shirt, I always wear thermal wear under. A jacket. I usually have three to four layers on. Hat, earmuffs, gloves.”

Safety recommendations during cold snap

State officials recommend several precautions during the freezing stretch:

• Check heating devices to ensure they work properly.
• Limit pets’ time outdoors.
• Check on elderly neighbors and family members, who are most vulnerable during extreme cold.
• Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home due to potential gas, carbon monoxide, and fire hazards.
• Check your vehicle before traveling: tires, lights, brakes, and windshield wipers.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full and carry an emergency kit.

Residents can find a nearby warming shelter by calling 211 or clicking HERE.

Copyright 2025 WFSB. All rights reserved.

Gov. Ned Lamont activated the state’s severe cold weather protocol for the holiday and over the weekend.

The protocol begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday and will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday as arctic air settles into the state.

In the afternoon on Christmas Day, a cold front will pass through Connecticut dropping temperatures down into the 10’s. Overnight wind chills are expected to fall into the single digits, with near-zero temperatures in some areas.

“Activating this protocol helps ensure that shelters and warming centers are available across the state to anyone in need,” the governor said in the announcement.

Anyone in need of a shelter or a warming center can call 211 or visit 211ct.org to find available locations. Transportation is available if needed.

For additional resources, head to the CT Prepares website.

At least three people were taken to local hospitals after a multi-vehicle accident involving a public transit bus in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Tuesday, according to the Bridgeport Police Department.

The collision took place at around 7:40 p.m. on the 500 block of Water Street, where officials located a Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) bus that struck at least six other vehicles and a wall of the Bridgeport train station.

Once at the scene, emergency medical officials transported several individuals to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Two people were taken to Bridgeport Hospital, and two others to St. Vincent’s Medical Center; the extent of their injuries was unknown, per authorities. 

An MTA Facility Manager has responded to the scene to assess the structural damage, according to police.

Train service was not impacted on the Metro-North lines as a result of the nearby collision. However, traffic was impacted by the closure of the northbound lane of Water Street between State Street and John Street.

The Bridgeport Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team reported to the site of the crash to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Department Traffic Division, Sergeant Darryl Wilson, at 203-576-7640.