West Hartford’s Director of Public Works said all roads were plowed by late Thursday morning.

Snow piles along Farmington Avenue, looking west. Courtesy of West Hartford Department of Public Works

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford received its first major snowstorm of the 2020-21 winter season overnight Wednesday into Thursday, and despite snowfall rates of more than an inch an hour overnight, and total accumulation of nearly a foot of snow, by late morning the snow had tapered off and all roads were passable.

“We’re in good shape,” Director of Public Works John Phillips said late Thursday morning. He said that despite the heavy snowfall rates, the snow was fluffy and “crews did a really good job of staying ahead of it,” he said.

“Our crews were hyped to get 18 inches,” Phillips said, and approached it anticipating that type of challenge. Snowfall measured about 11 inches, although the wind created significant drifting in some areas.

11 inches of snow in West Hartford on Dec. 17. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Main roads were mostly just wet by late morning, and secondary roads were in good shape as well. Even neighborhood streets had all had at least one pass, and crews planned to continue cleaning up throughout the day.

The Town of West Hartford, like the state, engaged contractors to assist with the plowing efforts. “We always hire contractors for a storm this size,” Phillips said.

The town issued a parking ban on Wednesday night ahead of the storm, and it was scheduled to end at 8 a.m. Friday. Phillips said it would likely be lifted even earlier than planned.

Snow is plowed into the middle of the main roadways in the Center, Phillips said, and he said the plans is for crews to remove the large piles overnight Friday.

Looking south on LaSalle Road. Courtesy of West Hartford Department of Public Works

LaSalle Road is now one way from Araphaoe to Farmington Avenue, but Phillips said the change in the traffic pattern will impact drivers but did not impact the plowing.

“Pick a side of the pile you want to drive on,” Phillips said.

Once the parking ban is lifted, drivers should also continue to use caution and ensure that they are not impeding traffic when parking their vehicles.

Paine’s Refuse & Recycling delayed trash and recycling pick-up by one day for Thursday and Friday collection areas. Thursday collection areas will have pick-up on Friday, and those with Friday collection will have their trash and recycling picked up on Saturday. They ask that barrels be kept out of the roadway.

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 sunrise, whichever is later, and keeping them clear of snow and ice.

Heavily used sidewalks near schools and public buildings, and the commercial areas are particularly important. To report a snow clearing violation, please call the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203.

Residents are also asked to help the West Hartford Fire Department and protect neighboring properties by shoveling around fire hydrants.

The snow is unlikely to melt very quickly. Temperatures overnight Thursday are expected to dip into the teens, according to the National Weather Service, and Friday’s high is expected to be just 32 degrees with a low of 11 degrees Friday night and highs in the 30s over the weekend.

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Snow piled into the middle of LaSalle Road will be removed overnight Friday. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Snow piles along Farmington Avenue. Courtesy of West Hartford Department of Public Works