Weather Service Winter Storm Warning Covers Entire State; 5-9 Inches Of Snow Possible For Newtown
Saturday dawned sunny and relatively warm - for mid February - with no snow on the ground, but all that could change during the next 12-18 hours.shannon@thebee.Businesses, organizations, churches, et al who have plans changed during the storm are invited to add their change of plans to The Newtown Bee Facebook page, or send an email toÃÂ
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning that covers the entire state of Connecticut, which will go into effect later this afternoon and remain in effect until early Sunday morning.
Heavy snow is expected to arrive in the region, with total snow accumulations of 4-7 inches expected across the, according to the weather service. Issued at 11:32 am, the warning will go into effect at 5 pm Saturday, February 17. It will remain in effect until at least 7 am Sunday, February 18.
For Newtown in particular, the NWS forecast says "new snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches" is possible. Skies will remain partly sunny, with a high near 36. Wind chill values on Saturday will be between 25 and 30 mph, thanks to a south wing around 7 pm.
Saturday night the town should see snow, mainly before 5 am, according to NWS. Low temperatures will be around 28 degrees, with south wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation, the localized forecast continues, is 100%.
By Sunday, wind chill values will be between 25 and 35 degrees, with northwest wing of 6 to 9 pm and gusts as high as 20 mph. The day will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 44 degrees.
Sunday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 26 and calm wind.
During the approaching storm, the weather service is urging the public to "Plan on difficult travel conditions. Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times."
A Winter Storm Warning for snow means "severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible," according to the weather service. "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."