A parking ban will take effect at 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. This article will continue to be updated with storm-related information. [Updated, Feb. 12, 10 p.m.]

By Ronni Newton

Update, 10 p.m.

West Hartford Public Schools announced Monday evening that all schools and education offices will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024.

In a special edition of We-Ha Roundtable, John Lyons and Ronni Newton spoke with Mayor Shari Cantor and Director of Public Works John Phillips about storm preparation and safety. The recording can be viewed via YouTube below.

Gov. Ned Lamont’s office also issued several announcements Monday evening, including that he is “ordering all State of Connecticut executive branch office buildings closed to the public on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, due to the significant winter storm that is anticipated to impact the state throughout the day.”

Specifics classes of state employees will be impacted by the closing of state office buildings as follows, according to the governor’s announcement: 

1. “All level 1 executive branch state employees should report to work as scheduled or directed;
2. “All level 2 executive branch state employees whose job duties can be completed remotely should telework, or they may request use of accrued leave; and
3. “All level 2 executive branch state employees whose job duties cannot be completed remotely should not report to work in-person.”

“The timing of winter storm is of particular concern, especially considering that snowfall rates are expected to be heavy during the morning rush hour commute and continue through the afternoon,” Lamont said. “Out of an abundance of caution, I am directing all executive branch state office buildings closed to the public on Tuesday. Level 2 state employees who work in those buildings should stay home, and those who can complete their jobs remotely should work from home for the day. I strongly encourage everyone in Connecticut to stay off the roads on Tuesday unless absolutely necessary, particularly during the height of the storm so that plow crews can clear the roads and keep everyone safe. Please check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or need assistance, to make sure they are safe.”

In addition, the governor has issued an order prohibiting all tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers from traveling on all limited access highways statewide effective at midnight on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

“During the peak periods of the storm, we are anticipating treacherous conditions that will make travel very difficult,” Lamont said. “We’ve consulted with our neighboring states and have decided as a region that it’s in the best interest of safety to enact this travel ban on tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers during the duration of the storm.”

Additional closings

The Town of West Hartford has announced that the following facilities will be closed on Tuesday:

• Senior Centers
• Skating Rink
• Libraries
• Recycling Center
• Mobile Foodshare at 100 Mayflower Street (11 a.m.) and Food Pantry distribution at Town Hall (3:30-5 p.m.) will be canceled.

Original story

The Town of West Hartford Department announced Monday morning that a parking ban will go into effect at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, and will remain in effect until further notice.

“The Department of Public Works is preparing for a winter storm that will impact all of Connecticut,” the town said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Prepare for the impacts of a significant winter storm, find safe off-street parking, avoid the ticket and tow. Don’t crowd the plow,” DPW posted on X.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Hartford area, which goes into effect at 1 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 and will be in effect until 1 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. A total of 11 to 15 inches of snow is being forecast to fall in the area on Tuesday, with wind gusts of up to 40 mph also possible. Snowfall rates are expected to be 1 to 2 inches per hour at times. The overnight temperature Monday is predicted to be 29 degrees, while highs on Tuesday are expected to be near 34 degrees. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 30s for the rest of the week and through the weekend.

A decision has not been announced regarding school for Tuesday, but after school activities on Monday remain on schedule. Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus said an announcement may be made on Monday evening.

If school lots are not available, residents can still use parking lots at neighborhood parks, and garage and municipal lots are available, with fees in effect.

As a reminder, the following are snow and parking ban-related protocols for the Town of West Hartford.

Parking ban

Parking bans are needed to keep roadways free of vehicles so that Public Works crews are able to plow the snow from curb-to-curb, and cars parked on the road create safety hazards.

Owners who do not heed the parking ban will be fined, and the car may be towed.

During a parking ban, residents can park in off-street lots. If schools are closed, then schools lots may also be utilized. If a school lot is able to be used for this storm, vehicles must be removed by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 so crews can clear those lots for school on Wednesday.

Those using surface lots are asked to park next to other cars – rather than leaving parking spaces between them – to assist Public Works in effectively clearing those areas.

Regular fees will be in effect at municipal lots and parking garages.

Motorists may register their plates using one of the kiosks inside a the parking garage or can use either the Flowbird or Passport Parking mobile app.

Enforcement

Cars left parked on the street during a parking ban will be ticketed, and may be towed. West Hartford Police will be assisting Public Works to keep the roads clear of illegally parked vehicles.

Snow removal contractors are reminded not to push snow from driveways and private parking lots into the street.

Sidewalks

Per town ordinance, West Hartford property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalk along their property line within 12 hours after the storm or by sunrise – whichever is later. Residents are required to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice.

It’s particularly important to keep heavily-used sidewalks – those near schools, public buildings, and commercial areas – free and clear. Snow clearing violations should be reported to the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203.

Trash Collection

The collection of trash and recycling by Paine’s Inc. has been canceled for Tuesday, Feb. 13. Paine’s has announced that there will be a one-day delayed schedule on routes for the rest of the week, with the regular Tuesday collection area receiving pick-up on Wednesday and so one for the rest of the week and culminating with Friday’s collection being picked up on Saturday.

Paine’s also provided the following recommendations in an email:

• Place barrels about 4 feet back from the curb so they are not in the way of snow clean up
• Pick up times WILL CHANGE. Have barrels at the curb by 6 a.m. Trucks will not be able to make multiple passes during winter weather events.
• Tell a neighbor. Help a neighbor.

Hydrants

Residents are also asked to help out the West Hartford Fire Department and keep the community safe by shoveling the area around fire hydrants.

Check back regularly with We-Ha.com for any updates and storm-related news.

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