HARTFORD — Governor Ned Lamont has announced that due to a weather forecast indicating Connecticut will experience a period of extremely cold conditions over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at noon Saturday, December 21, and remaining in effect through noon Tuesday, December 24.

This is the first time the protocol has been activated this season. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.

While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 211 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 211 to get connected to these services or visit 211ct.org to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Newtown Health Department Director Donna Culbert said Friday afternoon that while New England weather and winter conditions are not new to most who live here, “we’d like to offer some reminders.”

For those who may be new to the area, “or haven’t thought about preparations for winter since we’ve had a pretty mild fall,” she said Friday afternoon, “in addition to being dressed for the cold, be sure to have backup supplies in your vehicle.

“Check on frail neighbors and also be sure to keep pets safe from the frigid temps,” she also encouraged.

Beginning this weekend and continuing through the first couple days of next week, Lamont said December 19, “Connecticut will experience the first blast of arctic air of the season with temperatures dropping into the single digits at night and wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour at times.”

Snow began falling late Friday morning in Newtown. With a high near 33 degrees and wind chill values between 25-30, the National Weather Service is predicting less than half an inch for the afternoon. There is a 50% chance of continuing snow for the overnight, temperatures dropping to around 25, northeast winds of 6-10 mph, and gusts as high as 21 mph.

Saturday shows a 30% chance of snow until early afternoon, and the arrival of the colder weather. As of Friday afternoon the weather service says the temperature high for Newtown will be 30 degrees, with wind chill values between 15 and 20, northwest winds 6-14 mph, and gusts as high as 24 mph.

Saturday night will be clear, with a low of 10, wind chills between -5 and 5, northwest wind of 9-11 mph and gusts as high as 21 mph.

The cold air will remain Sunday, when it will be sunny with a high of just 22 and northwest wind 10-13 mph. Sunday overnight will be clear with a high of about 7.

Monday will be sunny with a high near 26, and then Monday night there is a 30% change of snow before 1 am Tuesday. Skies will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 23.

Christmas will be mostly sunny with a high near 36. There is no mention of any precipitation.

“Being outdoors for extended periods in these extreme conditions is not only dangerous but it can be fatal,” Lamont also noted Thursday. “Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need of a safe place to stay warm is urged to call 211 to be directed to a nearby location, or check the list of locations online at 211ct.org. Transportation to a shelter or warming center can also be provided to anyone in need. Leaving pets outdoors in these frigid conditions can also be dangerous, and it is strongly advised to bring your pets indoors.”

The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:

*The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.

The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 211 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it.

Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 211 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.

*The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 211 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.

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