Community Corner
[Updated] Ellington, Somers Buried Under Feet of Snow After Blizzard
The snow and wind picked up in the afternoon and continued throughout the night.
Update, 11 a.m., Saturday
The Somers Emergency Operations is still open and residents are urged to call 860-749-7626 if they need help. In an emergency, please call 911.
The selectmen are urging that while clearing snow, be certain to clear all vents around the outside of your home to prevent a build up of carbon monoxide. If you should experience a power failure and intend to use a generator, be certain that the area has adequate ventilation. If you should experience power failure, immediately notify CL&P at 800-286-2000.
Find out what's happening in Ellington-Somerswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The selectmen are saying that on Monday, the state will experience a rain and freezing rain event that will deliver between half an inch to one inch of water.
"Once you have safely cleared any outside vents and an area around your home, check your roof for areas of collected snow," they said. "The potential for additional weight could lead to roof collapse."
Find out what's happening in Ellington-Somerswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Finally, the State Emergency Management team is monitoring the development of a nor'easter on Valentine's Day. The impact can not be predicted at this time, but the selectmen will keep residents apprised should it materialize.
Original Story
The snow began falling lightly on Friday morning, intensified during the afternoon, and continued heavily overnight.
Once it started to really come down, the roads got very quiet and most people heeded the warnings to stay at home. Department of Public Works staff was out in full force, taking care of the roads.
In Ellington, the town hall closed at noon and the Hall Memorial Library closed at 1 p.m. It will remain closed on Saturday. The Indian Valley Family YMCA closed at 11 a.m. and Big Y closed at 5 p.m.
In Somers, the Emergency Operations Center was opened at 6 p.m. If a resident has any concerns, they can call the EOC at 860-763-7063. Residents can also call the fire station at 860-749-7626 with any routine issue. For all emergencies, dial 911.
The Somers Fire Department was staffed throughout the night and will be all day Saturday.
As of 9 a.m. on Saturday, the CL&P outage map looked pretty good, with only 3 percent of customers in the dark. Ellington and Somers were fully powered.
If you do happen to lose power and are using a generator, here are some safety tips. FEMA has also posted some weather preparedness tips.
As of 4 a.m., Gov. Dannel P. Malloy closed all roads in the State of Connecticut including the state snowplows.
"In their absence, our Highway Department has concentrated on maintaining a passable lane along the main state roads Route 190 and Turnpike Road in Somers for emergency purposes and access to the hospital," Somers First Selectwoman Lisa Pellegrini said.
She said that these roads are still difficult to travel and she is asking all residents to please remain in their homes. The Emergency Operations Center is open with a skeleton crew.
Pellegrini and Selectman Kathy Devlin are actively monitoring operations and maintaining contact with the state. It is their goal to obtain National Guard assistance to help clear the hilly terrain in Somers that now is impacted by at least 28 inches of snow. Additionally the town is contracting with heavy equipment contractors to assist with snow removal.
Police, fire and highway have been working together throughout the storm, since it began, and will continue their presence until the residents can travel safely.
"Updates will follow throughout the day," Pellegrini said. "Make sure that you are careful in using snow plows, blowers, and shovels. This snow is heavy and deep. Take multiple rest periods, dress warmly and hydrate. Your safety is our major concern."
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