Public Works crews are preparing for a winter storm that is expected to include 1-3 inches of heavy, wet snow, beginning late Sunday night, followed by sleet, freezing rain, and rain, accompanied by strong winds, with gusts late Sunday through Monday of 40-45 mph.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the area, beginning at midnight and remaining in effect through 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17.

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, including schools as long as they are closed. Schools will be closed Monday, Jan. 17 due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebration.

If parking in a school lot or any free municipal lots, your vehicle must be removed by 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, or it may be towed.

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. is expected to remain on schedule.

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 updates and storm-related news.

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