Shelton Snow Storm Central

Update 2:54 p.m.

All Shelton public schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Update 12:34 p.m.

Chief Hurliman said "the plan for today is to get as much done as possible" with the equipment in use, and crews hope to have most streets cleared before colder weather comes later in the week.

"The latter part of the week is supposed to be very cold and we would advise residents to remove piles of snow from the end of their driveways. Those could be like pyramids by the end of the week, all soaking wet and then frozen solid," he said.

Residents are also reminded to not dump snow onto the street from their driveways, as this sets back DPW progress and can cause accidents.

Update 12:20 p.m.

DPW and the Police Dept. report that the city currently has:

• 4 loaders
• 2 backhoes
• 1 Bobcat 
• 25 plow trucks

Additionally, 14 private contractors have been hired with a number of payloaders, backhoes and a bulldozer.

Update, Monday 11 a.m.

Garbage and recycling collection has been canceled this week until further notice. DPW crews and first responders are now dealing with freezing rain in addition to massive amounts of snowfall.

United Illuminating, Co. adivses residents that snow blocking sidewall vents (found on the sides of many newer homes) may cause them to malfunction or prevent them from properly expelling exhaust fumes, which could cause an unpleasant odor inside the home or even lead to buildup of carbon monoxide.

Update 1:16 p.m.

The city has hired private contractors for snow removal and hopes to have the major roads cleared by Sunday night.

"We had to resort to that type of equipment because plows were getting stuck and they weren’t able to move the amount of snow," Chief Hurliman said.

Residents are asked to continue using caution while shoveling their driveways and exercise patience with the city's response to certain streets and areas.

Update 1:05 p.m.

All Shelton public and parochial schools will be closed Monday, Feb. 11 due to snow accumulation and "difficulties associated with the clearing of streets, schools and buses.

Meanwhile, all city buildings (City Hall, Senior Center, Community Center, Lafayette Complex,Plumb Library) will also be closed tomorrow due to the weather and Tuesday in observance of Lincoln's birthday. The City's webiste says athey are "hopeful to be in full operation by Wednesday, Feb. 13."

Update, Sunday 6:45 a.m.

Chief Hurliman said it may be Saturday night beforeplows can begin to reach many roads. Echo Hose Co. 1 gives the following update:

"Main roads are not favorable and almost all secondary roads in Shelton are still impassible. Plow crews are working as best they can. Fire Stations continue to be fully staffed and are responding to fire, rescue and now medical calls to assist in removing patients. Please clear out exterior vents for furnace/gas/dryers/etc as fumes can build up inside residences and cause gas odors and carbon monoxide emergency's. Please dial 911 for true emergency's only. Stay Warm, Stay Safe."

Update 11:30 a.m.

Shelton Police report that a Shelton man died early this morning while shoveling his driveway.

Update: 11 a.m.

A death caused by the blizzard has been reported. Danbury Police are investigating the death of a man on Forest Avenue Friday night or Saturday morning.

Update, Saturday 5 a.m.

Police Chief Joel Hurliman reported at about 3 a.m. that mayor Mark Lauretti has declared a state of emergency for Shelton, as most roads are impassable as the snowfall continues into this afternoon. "This is a bad one," Hurliman said.

Today's National Weather Service forecast is as follows:

Snow likely with areas of blowing snow before 9 a.m., then a chance of snow showers between 9 a.m. and noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 29. Blustery, with a north wind 17 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Update, 2:42 p.m.

The city has announced that a Winter Parking Ban will go into effect at 6 p.m. tonight. Alternate side of the street parking is required. On odd-numbered days, please park on the odd-numbered side of the street. On even-numbered days, parking shall be permitted only on the even-numbered side of the street. So tonight, park on the even-numbered side. See attached .pdf for full details.

Update, 12:25 p.m.

All four St. Vincent's Urgent Care Walk-in Centers located in Shelton, Monroe, Bridgeport and Fairfield will close at noon today due to the inclement weather.   Anyone with an immediate health issues should proceed to the Emergency Department of St. Vincent's which will remain open.

Update, 11:45 a.m.

Echo Hose Co. 1 sends residents the following message on Facebook:

"As you all know a significant snow storm is on the way. During this time you may see us on the road shoveling out fire hydrants. We rely on these! Without water peoples homes as well as their lives are at risk. We cannot get to them all so we are asking for your help! If a hydrant close to your home/business is burred, please shovel it out. If you do, please let us know. Send us a picture or write to us so we can thank you for your support!"

Also, Center Stage Theatre is closed due to weather. Tonight's performance of 'Big River' is canceled. Fran & Gary Scarpa will be addressing the storm one day at a time. If you have tickets for Saturday or Sunday please call back tomorrow or check the theatre website regarding the status of the performance. Auditions for the 'Marvelous Wonderettes' are postponed as well.

Original story

The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting heavy snowfall headed for Connecticut and the Shelton area Friday into Saturday, with snow showers beginning as early as 7 a.m. today.

With between 18 to 24 inches of accumulation and strong wind gusts expected between Friday and Saturday afternoons, the NWS has issued a Blizzard Warning that remains in efect until 1 p.m. Saturday and dubbed the storm Winter Storm Nemo. Wind gusts pf up to 55 mph can be expected.

All Shelton public and parochial schools have been closed today die to the impending storm. There will be no bus transportation for out-of-town schools. The following places will also be closed:

• Plumb Memorial Library & Huntington Branch Library: closed Friday &
  Saturday.

• Senior Center: closed Friday & Saturday. 

• Youth Service Bureau: closed Friday.

• The Transfer Station: closed Saturday.

• The Community Center: closing at noon on Friday and closed all day on
  Saturday.

NWS warns against traveling during the snow storm. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you, and if you get stranded stay with your vehicle.

Check back with Shelton Patch throughout the storm for real-time updates and important safety and emergency information.

As the snow comes down, be sure to add your photos and videos to our Neighborhood Gallery.

And be sure to sign up for our Facebook and Twitter feeds as well as our Breaking Newsletter to be the first to know as new information becomes available.