'Severe Weather Protocol' Activated as Temperatures Plunge

From the Governor's office:

With bitter winter cold temperatures expected over the next several days, Governor Dannel P. Malloy today directed the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to coordinate with 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the state’s most vulnerable people are protected.

“Overnight temperatures are expected to range from 0 to 10 degrees over the next several days,” Governor Malloy said.  “Factor in the wind chill, and it will feel like 0 to -15 degrees.  We are taking steps now to make sure that we can take care of those in need of shelter.

“The 2-1-1 system provides an incredibly important service to the people of Connecticut and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the help that is available to them.  I am also encouraging local communities to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to help people in need.”

Under the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, DEMHS activates its WebEOC communications network – an internet-based system that allows local, regional and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. 

The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to ensure shelter space is found for those who need it.  Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.

DSS coordinates with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, as well as working with existing vendors to resolve transportation issues for people needing shelter during the period of severe cold.

DMHAS, meanwhile, has teams who specialize in working with homeless people to locate those who are at risk, spread the word about the 2-1-1 system, and encourage everyone to take advantage of the safety of shelters.  The agency is also working with shelters to assess and meet the needs of individual clients during this cold snap.

Groton's weather forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

• Wednesday:  Partly sunny, with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as -4. Northwest wind 13 to 17 mph.

• Wednesday Night:  A slight chance of snow after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as zero. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

• Thursday:  Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 23. Wind chill values as low as -4. Blustery, with a northwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon.

• Thursday Night:  Mostly clear, with a low around 11. Northwest wind 9 to 17 mph.

• Friday:  Snow likely, mainly after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 31. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

• Friday Night:  Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 22. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.