West Hartford’s Department of Public Works has issued a parking ban that begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.

By Ronni Newton

Winter weather shows no signs of abating, and the active pattern looks to continue with what will likely be the largest snow event of the season beginning Saturday evening, Feb. 8, 2025 – but the weather should clear in time for Super Bowl celebrations to take place.

The Town of West Hartford has announced that a parking ban will be in effect beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, and will remain in effect until further notice.

According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, through 1 p.m. Sunday. Snowfall is expected to be heavy overnight, with estimates of 4 to 8 inches of snow and temperatures dropping to 25ºF. Perhaps another inch of snow may fall after daybreak on Sunday before the storm pulls away. Sunday’s temperature is expected to reach 37ºF with sunny skies. Winds are not expected to be a factor in this storm.

Snow events are also possible for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this coming week, forecasters say.

Parking ban

“During a Parking Ban, no on-street parking is allowed so that Public Works crews can remove snow from curb to curb. Cars left on the road create a safety hazard for all concerned. The owner will receive a fine, and the car may be towed.” the town stated in an announcement.

Public Works, in coordination with the West Hartford Police Department, will strictly enforce the parking ban “to ensure a safe and efficient transportation system for vehicles and pedestrians during snow removal operations.”

Residents are urged to plan ahead to identify alternate, off-street parking locations.

Along Farmington Avenue, from Trout Brook Drive to the Hartford town line, the newly-installed Blue Light Parking Ban Notification System will flash blue to indicate when a parking ban is in effect.

Municipal lots and garages are available for use, as are public school lots because schools are closed. Vehicles must be removed from school lots by 5 p.m. Sunday.

Pay-to-park fees will apply at municipal center parking lots and garages. Motorists may register their plates using one of the kiosks inside the garage or a mobile app (e.g., the Flowbird app or the PassportParking app).

Those who park in school or outdoor municipal lots are asked to park close together and not leave parking spaces between vehicles to ensure plow driver can clear the snow most efficiently.

Enforcement

The community is asked to comply with the parking ban, and West Hartford Police will proactively assist the Department of Public Works in ensuring that the roads are clear of illegally parked vehicles. The town said that cars in violation of the parking ban will be ticketed and towed.

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 not expected to be affected by the storm.

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.

Alerts

Sign up here to receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news through West Hartford’s Community Advisory Notification System. This emergency alert system enables the town to provide you with critical information by text, voice, and email. 

Check out the Ready.gov website on how to prepare for winter storms.

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