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HARTFORD, CT – Connecticut residents are being urged to prepare for potentially dangerous blizzard conditions expected to impact the state beginning Sunday evening, February 22, 2026, and continuing throughout Monday, February 23, 2026. Governor Ned Lamont has declared a state of emergency and is urging caution as a powerful winter storm approaches, threatening heavy snowfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding.
The National Weather Service is forecasting significant snowfall across the state, with the southern half potentially receiving between 16 and 22 inches, while the northern regions could see 10 to 16 inches. Some weather models even predict higher accumulations. However, the most significant concern is the anticipated high wind gusts, expected to exceed 50 miles per hour statewide, creating blizzard-like conditions and severely limiting visibility. Moderate coastal flooding is also expected during high tide, according to officials.
Governor Lamont activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at noon on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and it will remain in effect until at least noon on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. He also declared a state of emergency on Sunday, prohibiting all commercial vehicles from traveling on limited access highways statewide beginning at 5 p.m. On Sunday, and remaining in effect until further notice, in coordination with neighboring states facing similar conditions, as reported by the Hartford Courant.
Emergency Operations Center Activated
To prepare for the storm, Governor Lamont has ordered a partial activation of the Connecticut Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Hartford, beginning at 5:00 p.m. On Sunday. The EOC serves as the state’s central hub for emergency management, coordinating resources and strategies among state agencies and partners. The state’s five regional emergency management offices will also be partially activated. This partial activation means key agencies responsible for emergency response will be coordinating continuously throughout the storm, with additional agencies on standby if a full activation becomes necessary, according to CTNewsJunkie.
Travel Concerns and Safety Recommendations
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has over 600 snowplows and specialized equipment ready for deployment across the state. Crews will work around the clock to clear roads and restore safe travel conditions. However, officials strongly urge motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm. If travel is unavoidable, CTDOT recommends the following safety measures:
- Delay travel if possible: Staying home is the safest option.
- Slow down: Reduce speed and allow extra time to stop on snow or ice-covered roads.
- Leave extra space: Increase following distance between vehicles, especially behind snowplows.
- Be vehicle-ready: Keep fuel tanks full or electric vehicles charged and ensure tires and lights are in good condition.
- Pack emergency supplies: Carry blankets, water, food, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a first aid kit.
- Stay informed: Monitor forecasts and check real-time traffic and road conditions at CTroads.org before traveling.
- Never drive impaired: Winter conditions demand full attention and alertness at all times.
Motorists are also advised to offer snowplows ample space and avoid passing them in active plowing zones to ensure the safety of both drivers and plow operators.
Power Outage Potential
Eversource is warning Connecticut residents that the blizzard could cause widespread power outages, potentially affecting “several hundred thousand” customers. Steve Sullivan, president of Eversource’s Connecticut subsidiary, warned that high winds will limit crews to emergency operations reopening roads during the storm’s peak, with significant restoration efforts not expected to begin until Tuesday, February 24, 2026, as detailed by CTMirror. The potential for extended outages underscores the importance of preparedness.
As the storm approaches, Connecticut residents are encouraged to stay informed, heed the warnings of state and local officials, and prioritize safety. Real-time updates on incidents impacting state roads are available at CTroads.org. Those using public transportation should sign up for alert notifications from their transit operators, as schedule changes are likely. Emergency alerts can be subscribed to through the state’s CT Alert notification system at ct.gov/ctalert, and further emergency management resources are available at ct.gov/ctprepares.
The situation remains fluid, and officials will continue to monitor the storm’s progress and provide updates as needed. Residents should remain vigilant and prepared for potentially hazardous conditions throughout the weekend and into Monday.
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