A message from First Selectman Tom Banisch to update you on the storm system that is affecting CT today. The latest radar and satellite data is showing a westward shift of the storm, meaning a slightly faster transition to sleet and rain. Because of this, the total expected accumulation has been lowered a bit. The steady snow will become heavy at times later this morning, reaching 2 -3" per hour. The snow will mix with and change to sleet and rain late this morning. NE winds will become very strong this afternoon, gusting to 45 mph at times. These strong winds will lead to some blowing and drifting, especially before the changeover. The rain will taper off this evening, with falling temperatures causing any wet or slushy surface to refreeze overnight.
Because of the changeover to rain, we are anticipating issues with downed power lines and power outages. Eversource is ready to respond quickly to any problems, but want to remind you of some basic safety measures: In the event of downed wires, always remain at least 10 feet away, assume the wire is live, and call 9-1-1 immediately. If you are a natural gas customer and you smell gas inside your home, leave immediately. DO NOT light matches, smoke, turn electrical switches or appliances on or off, or use a telephone or cell phone within the area in which you smell gas. DO NOT assume someone else will report the condition. Leave to a safe place and call 9-1-1
A travel ban is in effect across CT, and that includes the Town of Madison. Please don’t go out in your car today. Police are stopping motorists and sending them home. There is also a parking ban for all streets in town. This is so that Public Works can get the streets cleaned.
Finally, because of the prospect of bad roads and power outages, The Board of Selectmen have declared a Local Civil Preparedness Emergency, commencing at 12:00 a.m. on March 14, 2017 and lasting for the duration of the storm and for as long thereafter as the Town is in a state of duress from damage resulting from the storm. The Gym at Town Campus has been opened as an emergency shelter and will remain open for as long as is needed. If you are at home and you have power, please stay there until the travel ban is lifted. Should you lose power, call Eversource at 877-944-5325 and report it. If you remain without power for an extended period of time, you may want to consider coming to the shelter for relief.
Please stay at home and stay safe. Thank you.