New Haven braces for up to 16 inches of snow Thursday

Lowe's employees Jacek Zielimski, at right, and Vinny Torfason set up a Troy-bilt snowblower for Carlos Ortiz, Jadin Ortiz and Lou Mateo, at the home improvement chain at 115 Foxon Blvd. in New Haven, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. less Lowe's employees Jacek Zielimski, at right, and Vinny Torfason set up a Troy-bilt snowblower for Carlos Ortiz, Jadin Ortiz and Lou Mateo, at the home improvement chain at 115 Foxon Blvd. in New Haven, ... more Photo: Catherine Avalone, Hearst Connecticut Media Photo: Catherine Avalone, Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close New Haven braces for up to 16 inches of snow Thursday 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

UPDATE: The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. Blizzard conditions occurring.

Travel will be very dangerous to impossible, including during the morning and evening commute.

Tree branches could fall as well.

Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times are expected this morning into afternoon. Additional snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches are expected.

The blizzard warning is in effect until 1 a.m. Friday.

NEW HAVEN — The city can expect up to 16 inches of snow Thursday, Emergency Operations Deputy Director Rick Fontana said in a Wednesday afternoon briefing.

Earlier projections had the Elm City receiving a less substantial amount of snow Thursday, but the storm has moved west, Fontana said, and residents can expect up to two inches of snow on the roads by rush hour and up to two inches of snow every hour between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Parking downtown and on odd-numbered sides of the street will be banned from 1 a.m. until further notice, Fontana said. The Granite Square and Temple Street garages will be open for $3 per night, he said. New Haven Public School announced Wednesday evening that all schools will be closed Thursday. Yale University also said on its website that it would be closed Thursday.

A nor’easter that’s expected to track farther west than originally forecast will give us more snow Thursday.

The storm will pack strong winds, causing considerable blowing and drifting of snow with decreased visibility and near blizzard conditions.

Fontana said high winds will make clearing the roads difficult, but the city’s response will be to put more than 60 trucks on the roads.

“The only thing we’ll be able to do is scale back,” Fontana said.

Fontana said the city urges residents to “have a plan” and to regularly check the city’s website, www.newhavenct.gov.

Jeff Pescosolido, director of public works, said his department will work 16-hour shifts beginning at 4 a.m. with 60 vehicles on the road.

Fontana offered one positive: the snow should be dry, which makes it easier for removal than wetter, icier snow.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com