KENT, Conn.—Five hours into the monster storm gripping the eastern half of the country, First Selectman Eric Epstein reported that no serious problems have occurred in Kent and that the public works department is keeping up with the snowfall.
“The snow is coming down pretty heavy, and the road crews have been out since 8 a.m.,” he said. “I was over at the firehouse this morning and [the firefighters] have chained all the trucks up and have plans in place for any emergency. Right now, we are just monitoring conditions.”
With snow already reaching 9 inches by early afternoon and another 14 to 18 inches expected in the next 24 hours, the road crew will have plenty to contend with. Epstein said the men will be on the road until late tonight, attempting to clear the town’s 60 miles of local roads, some of which are hilly and unpaved.
“We have plans in place for them to rest late tonight after the major snow is over,” he said. “Then they will be back out in the morning.”
Because of temperatures that struggled only up to the low teens on Sunday afternoon, Governor Ned Lamont has activated cold-weather protocols across the state. Kent’s Emergency Management Department has Deputy Director Tim Limbos on standby, prepared to provide shelter for anyone who needs it or a place to warm up.
“We haven’t activated any center, but it would probably be at the Town Hall if needed,” Epstein said. “People are asked to notify us if they need help by calling Emergency Management [860-927-5218] or my work cellphone [860-488-6074].”
Epstein urged everyone to stay at home if possible. Those who must go out should give plows plenty of space, staying well behind and avoiding their blind spots. Passing a truck that is plowing can reduce visibility and increases the risk of a collision.
If you must venture forth, pack emergency supplies such as blankets, water, food, a flashlight, phone charger and first aid kit. Real-time traffic and road conditions can be checked at CTroads.org.
Region 1 has already announced that schools will be closed and Epstein will decide later tonight whether town hall will be open Monday, Jan. 26.
