HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Governor Ned Lamont advised Connecticut residents to prepare for the first significant statewide snowfall of the winter season.

The snow is expected to begin on the afternoon of Sunday, January 19, 2025, and continue into Monday morning.

Meteorologists predict that most of the state will receive 4 to 10 inches of snow.

Motorists are urged to plan ahead and avoid travel during the height of the storm, which is expected to impact road conditions.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has more than 600 snowplows and specialized snow removal equipment ready for deployment across the state.

Crews are on standby throughout the weekend and will remain active until the roads are cleared of snow and ice.

“We’ve only had relatively light snow so far this winter, but this is the first storm where most of the state can expect to see an accumulation of more than several inches,” Governor Lamont said. “This storm is being forecast well in advance, so now is the time to prepare. If possible, stay off the roads, enjoy the game, and wait until conditions improve. If you need to drive, take it slow, and if you approach a plow, please keep a safe distance and allow them to do their jobs.”

“If you must travel during this storm, please slow down, use caution, and leave extra space between your vehicle and others,” said Laoise King, Deputy Commissioner of CTDOT.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, there were 498 fatal crashes and over 32,000 injury crashes caused by snow or sleet conditions.

Tips for Staying Safe Around Snowplows:

• Maintain Distance: Stay well behind snowplows and avoid their blind spots.
• Avoid Passing: Passing a snowplow is dangerous and can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Give Plows Space: Allow plenty of room for snowplow operators to work safely.

Winter Driving Safety Tips:

• Slow Down: Adjust your speed to match road conditions and increase your following distance.
• Equip Winter Tires: Winter tires improve traction on icy and snowy roads.
• Stay Informed: Check weather reports and road conditions before traveling. Visit CTroads.org for real-time updates.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep essentials such as blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and a first aid kit in your vehicle.
• Never Drive Impaired: Driving under the influence is illegal and hazardous to all road users.

For more information on snowplow safety and winter driving, visit NHTSA Winter Driving Tips.

To receive emergency alerts, visit CTAlert.

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A good amount of snow is expected to cover our state for the first time this winter.

Our meteorologists say we could have up to eight inches by Monday morning.

If you’re traveling for the holiday weekend – you’ll notice lots of plows out. That’s because the Department of Transportation has more than 630 trucks and 900 drivers ready to go.

The snow is also coming on a three-day weekend for many. Skiers are rejoicing at the prospect.

“It’s absolutely the perfect storm,” Jay Dougherty, of Mount Southington Ski Area, said.

Dougherty said Martin Luther King Jr. weekend is traditionally one of the busiest of the year. With the impending snowstorm, he said tickets and lesson reservations are going fast.

“This winter so far has been a return to, like, what we always dream of in the ski business. Good snowmaking weather and now we’re getting some natural snow,” Dougherty said.

Some skiers we spoke with say they can’t wait.

“These guys are used to skiing on, like ice and stuff…the powder will be so much easier for the kids,” Andres Nieto, of Cheshire, said. “That’s the plan to go on Monday in the daytime there.”

Beyond the slopes, people are getting their homes ready for the snow show – one that hasn’t hit Connecticut in what feels like a long time for some.

“Salt, shovels. Snow blower, but I may pick up sand for the steps,” said Scott Peterson of Bristol, who was stocking up at City True Value Hardware in Bristol.

“People have been prepared. So over the past four to six weeks, people have been buying all their shovels, their snow blowers, their salt, and everything else,” Bob Boudreau, of City Value True Hardware, said.

For kids, Boudreau said they’re selling sleds, too.

“We have a great sledding hill in Bristol, so we’re prepared,” Boudreau said.

If you’re planning to hit the hills and need to drive to get there, the CT DOT reminds you to take it slow on the roads.

“Trying to pass the plow on the left or the right is putting people at risk of getting snow or ice throwing on their car, which could impact their ability to see,” Josh Morgan, with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, said. “Give us room to work, don’t crowd our plows.”

Transportation officials remind people to drive 300 feet behind the plows on the highway. For reference, that’s the length of a football field.