Ridgefield Under Winter Storm Warning: Prepare for Hazardous Travel and Arctic Air
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Ridgefield and much of Southern Connecticut, with snow expected to begin Sunday afternoon, January 19, and continue into Sunday night. Residents should prepare for snow-covered roads, hazardous travel, and frigid temperatures following the storm.
Hazards and Impacts
Lower Hudson Valley, Interior Northeast New Jersey, and Interior Southern Connecticut
- Snow Accumulation: 5–7 inches, creating snow-covered roads and hazardous travel conditions.
- Peak Snowfall Rates: 1–2 inches per hour during the heaviest snowfall.
NYC Metro, Long Island, Southern Westchester, Coastal Connecticut, and Northern New London County
- Snow Accumulation: 3–5 inches, with higher totals of up to 6 inches possible further inland.
- Peak Snowfall Rates: ½ to 1 inch per hour.
- Some areas may initially see rain or a rain/snow mix before transitioning to snow.
Icy Conditions Expected Sunday Night
As temperatures plummet into the teens inland and around 20°F near the coast late Sunday night and early Monday morning, any untreated roads and walkways are expected to become icy and hazardous.
Alerts and Warnings
- Winter Storm Warning: Lower Hudson Valley, Interior Northeast New Jersey, and Interior Southern Connecticut from 1 PM Sunday to 4 AM Monday.
- Winter Weather Advisory: NYC Metro, Long Island, Southern Westchester, Coastal Connecticut, and Northern New London from 1 PM Sunday to 4 AM Monday.
Arctic Air to Follow Storm
- High Temperatures:
- Monday: Highs in the 20s.
- Tuesday & Wednesday: Highs in the teens to low 20s.
- Thursday: Highs in the 20s, potentially reaching 30–35°F by Friday.
- Low Temperatures:
- Single digits Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights.
- Wind Chills:
- As low as -5 to -15°F Monday night into Tuesday morning.
- 0 to -10°F Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
Safety Tips
- Prepare for Travel: Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with emergency supplies, including a flashlight, water, and a blanket.
- Drive Safely: Leave extra time for travel on Sunday afternoon and evening. Roads will be slippery and snow-covered.
- Dress Warmly: Bundle up in layers and cover exposed skin to protect against frostbite and hypothermia in the extreme cold.
- Treat Walkways: Apply salt or sand to sidewalks and driveways to reduce slipping hazards.