First Selectman Dan Rosenthal is closing town offices and advising residents who can work from home at least on Monday to consider making plans now to do so - and be sure electronics are charged and you have adequate supplies as a powerful Nor'easter dubbed Orlena positions itself to pummel Newtown with heavy winds and snow.

Rosenthal said around 7 pm Sunday, January 31, that he is closing the Municipal Center and town offices Monday and having all qualified staff work from home. Newtown officials had previously canceled school for February 1.

Governor Ned Lamont also announced around 7 pm that he is ordering all executive branch state office buildings closed to the public on Monday, February 1, due to the severe winter storm conditions that are anticipated to impact Connecticut. About and hour earlier the governor said he is directing the State Emergency Operations Center, which was already activated in a virtual capacity for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, to remain activated for the purposes of monitoring and responding to conditions resulting from the severe winter storm

“This appears to be a significant storm that is about to impact our state, and snowfall is expected to reach rates at times of up to one to two inches per hour, causing whiteout conditions that will make it unsafe to be out on the roads,” Governor Lamont said. “Therefore, we are directing that all Level 2 state employees who have been physically reporting to their office buildings throughout the ongoing pandemic to stay home out of an abundance of caution, and all those who have been working remotely should continue to do so.

"I strongly encourage everyone in Connecticut to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, particularly during the height of the storm when these fast snowfall rates will make it dangerous to be on the roads,” Lamont said.

The governor is directing that:

*Level 2 state employees who are able to telework shall telework for the duration of the storm-related closures;

*Level 2 state employees who were designated as Level 1 for the purposes of supporting the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic who are able to telework shall telework for the duration of the storm-related closures unless otherwise directed by their commissioner or agency-head; and

*Level 2 state employees whose job duties cannot be performed via telework should not report to work in-person.

*Level 2 state employees are all of those who were previously designated as “nonessential” based on their respective job duties, and Level 1 are those who were previously designated as “essential.” The terminology used for these classifications was modified through an executive order issued in 2018.

Rosenthal directed all non-essential municipal workers to also work from home in his notification, which was sent via CodeRED message Sunday evening. The first selectman also said anyone who was planning to drop off their second round property tax payments Monday - the deadline for such payments - may do so on Tuesday.

Early Sunday afternoon, Weather Underground was already reporting the storm has hit the Washington, DC area, although Monday will likely be the peak day of the storm in the Northeast.

There are still some uncertainties in the forecast, however.

One significant uncertainty is the exact track of a secondary area of low pressure that will form near or off the Northeast coast Monday. What track the low takes will determine how far inland snow falls, where the heaviest snow falls, and how far rain or sleet is able to push inland near the coast.

For now, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, forecasting total snow accumulations of 11 to 16 inches, with winds gusting as high as 50 mph. The warning period extends from midnight tonight (January 31) to 6 am Tuesday.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible, NWS stated, and the hazardous conditions could impact Monday's morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches, and blizzard-like conditions are possible Monday and Monday evening, especially near the coast.

Watching For Outages

Rosenthal said he is not planning to activate Newtown's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) unless winds bring significant power outages. He advised residents to charge all necessary electronic devices in the event of power outages, and to "consider filling up your tub with water, just in case."

He also asked that residents who may be using generators to be "extra careful."

The American Red Cross says the primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Follow the directions supplied with the generator.

To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as “backfeeding,” this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors, and your household at risk of electrocution.

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, or any partially enclosed area.

Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, window,s and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

Red Cross says opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. Although CO cannot be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death.

Red Cross says even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away.

'Eversource Is Ready'

Eversource is ready for the predicted heavy snow and strong winds expected Monday and Tuesday. While continuing to operate under its COVID-19 pandemic plan and adhering to its strict social distancing and safety measures, the energy company will have line and tree crews pre-positioned around the state to respond to any damage or outages caused by this storm.

Out-of-state crews are being brought in to assist with restoring power, and customer care representatives are at the ready to take calls if needed.

“We’ve been watching this storm for days and will adjust our plan accordingly,” said Eversource President of Regional Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom. “The forecasts call for large amounts of snow and high winds, which may make travel conditions challenging for the crews.

"We’re checking our equipment and supplies and staging the crews at our work centers across the state to ensure we’re ready to repair any damage we may see from this storm.," he added. "We also remind customers that restorations may take longer as we ensure the safety of our employees and customers while continuing to work under the challenging conditions related to the pandemic.”

Eversource urges customers to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 911. Be sure to report any outage online at www.eversource.com, or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.

The weather service says If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Check local Department of Transportation information services for the latest road conditions.

The best chance of snow continuing into Tuesday - coincidentally Groundhog Day - will be in New England, but some lighter snow may linger as far west as central New York and as far south as New Jersey.

Look to The Newtown Bee and our Facebook and Twitter sites for further news, updates, weather-related news, road closures, and cancellations.