Connecticut Weather: Warnings, Watches Issued For Snow, Wind

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches and warnings for Connecticut in advance of Thursday's powerful snowstorm, which is being called a "Bomb Cyclone" or winter hurricane. Snow accumulation estimates for this storm continue to rise, which has resulted in the issuance of warnings and watches.

Snow is expected to break out in the state between 1 and 4 a.m. Thursday and end by around 6 p.m. The snow will be falling fast and furiously Thursday morning and afternoon. Areas to the east of the state will see the most snow and could experience blizzard conditions at times.

For Fairfield County, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch and says "Heavy snow and blowing snow possible. Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute on Thursday. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are likely, with higher amounts in excess of 6 inches possible." Winds will gust to 45 mph too and could lead to power outages. (To signup and receive free news and weather alerts from your hometown in Connecticut click here.)

For New Haven County and the northern Middlesex County, the weather service issued a Winter Storm Warning saying, "Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Blizzard conditions possible. Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning and evening commute on Thursday. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 9 inches are expected, with higher amounts in excess of one foot possible." Winds will gust to 45 mph at times.

For New London County and southern Middlesex County, A Winter Storm Warning is in effect as "Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Blizzard conditions possible. Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning and evening commutes on Thursday. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are expected, with higher amounts in excess of one foot possible." Winds will gust up to 50 mph at times.

A Winter Storm Warning is also in effect for Hartford and Tolland counties, as the weather service says, "Heavy snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions. Tree branches could fall as well. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches, with localized amounts up to 10 inches, are expected.

WTNH News 8 Meteorologist Gil Simmons said, "Calm before the storm today with afternoon temps 27-30. Dry this evening. Snow starts 1-4AM Thursday and heavy at times for the morning! Ending 4-6PM. Much of the state is looking at 6” to 12”! A little less to the west. Strong winds will develop tomorrow too! Tough travel & school cancellations likely Thursday. Frigid temps through the weekend!"

NBC Connecticut Meteorologist Bob Maxon‏Verified said, "Winter weather warnings and watches are updated for CT...and I've made only a slight adjustment to the snowfall map, increasing the amounts in eastern CT and pulling 4-8" amounts a little west. Snow starts by 3:00 AM. Thursday

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