Newtown Public Works crews have been on the job since 2 am preparing for what forecasters are predicting will be a three to five-inch snow event, and prompting a winter weather advisory until 5 pm.

Schools are closed today, easing the burden for road crews and local police, according to Police Sgt David Kullgren. He reminds drivers, however, that conditions are expected to worsen well into the afternoon.

"So residents should plan accordingly," he advised. "Stay home unless there is an emergency, and stay off the roads so town crews can do their job clearing."

By 9 am, highway crews that had pre-treated local roads, wrapping up before the first flakes hit surfaces, and will continue monitoring conditions across town according to a supervisor.

He reminded residents that a snow emergency is in effect, so all vehicles should be removed from local roadways. Sgt Kullgren said if crews locate a vehicle causing an obstruction, they will call in and it will be towed.

Temperatures are expected to remain just around or below the freezing mark, and the is warning that occasional heavy bands of snow could cut visibility down to a half-mile or less.National Weather Service

The snow should taper off during the first part of the afternoon rush hour, the advisory states, but accumulating snow will create icy and hazardous travel conditions throughout the day including at least the start of the afternoon rush.

Around 9:30 am were showing congestion on both sides of the construction site on I-84 between Exit 11 and the Southbury town line.State DOT travel maps