‘Do not risk your life’: CT governor declares state of emergency

• Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont is urging motorists to avoid travel on Sunday, January 25, 2026, due to a major winter storm.
• The state is expected to receive 14 to 20 inches of snow, potentially the largest snowfall from a single storm in over a decade.
• Officials warn of heavy snowfall rates and possible whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous.
• The Connecticut Department of Transportation has over 600 snowplows ready and advises drivers to give them ample space.

Gov. Ned Lamont has declared a state of emergency ahead of the major winter storm that is anticipated to impact Connecticut starting Sunday.

Additionally, he has signed an order prohibiting commercial vehicles – such as permitted vehicles, trucks, RVs, tractor trailers, tankers and vehicles with trailers – from traveling on all limited access highways in Connecticut beginning at noon on Sunday, and remaining in effect until further notice.

Limited access highways are generally those that are designed to carry large volumes of traffic and have controlled access with on and off ramps.

“This storm is going to significantly impair the ability to safely drive, and we want to get the word out that it will be extremely dangerous to be on the roads,” Lamont said. “Do not risk your life and the lives of others. I am strongly urging everybody to make plans now to be at a specific location on Sunday morning and remain there for the duration of the storm, which is likely to continue overnight and go into at least Monday morning.”

The order prohibiting commercial vehicle travel does not apply to emergency response and recovery vehicles, including public safety vehicles, utilities vehicles, and vehicles carrying essential personnel or supplies.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for all of Connecticut as of Sunday morning. The forecast as of noon on Saturday is showing that the state will receive 14 to 22 inches of snow, which at times may come down at very heavy rates of more than 2 inches per hour, causing whiteout conditions that will make driving extremely difficult.

Snow is expected to begin on Sunday morning and become particularly heavy in the afternoon and evening. Lighter rates of snow will remain on Monday morning and afternoon before tapering off and ending on Monday evening. This is estimated to be the largest snowfall total Connecticut has received from a single storm in more than a decade.

“Driving in these conditions, especially during the height of the storm when we will experience whiteout situations that make visibility very limited, will be extremely dangerous,” Lamont said.

More: How will this weekend’s big snowstorm compare to previous storms in CT?

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has more than 600 snowplows and specialized equipment ready for deployment statewide. Crews will work around the clock as needed to clear snow and ice and restore safe travel conditions.

Tips for winter driving and staying clear of snowplows

The Connecticut Department of Transportation advises motorists to use the following tips whenever approaching a snowplow:

• Give plows space: Stay well behind plows and avoid their blind spots, especially in the rear corners.
• Never pass in active plowing zones: Passing snowplows can reduce visibility and increase the risk of collisions with thrown snow or the plow itself.
• Be patient: Plows often drive slowly to clear snow effectively; crowding or tailgating can endanger both drivers and operators.

To ensure safety during icy and snowy conditions, the public is encouraged to:

• Delay travel if possible: Staying home during the storm is the safest option.
• Slow down: Reduce speed and allow extra time to stop on snow or ice-covered roads.
• Leave extra space: Increase following distance between vehicles, especially behind snowplows.
• Be vehicle-ready: Keep fuel tanks full or electric vehicles charged and ensure tires and lights are in good condition.
• Pack emergency supplies: Carry blankets, water, food, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a first aid kit.
• Stay informed: Monitor forecasts and check real-time traffic and road conditions at CTroads.org before traveling.
• Never drive impaired: Winter conditions demand full attention and alertness at all times.

To subscribe to emergency alerts through the state’s CT Alert notification system, visit ct.gov/ctalert.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.

For updates on any incidents that may be impacting state roads and highways, visit CTtroads.org. For those who utilize public transportation, visit the transit operator’s website for updates on any potential delays or cancellations.

For more information about winter driving safety and snowplow awareness, visit nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips.