Frigid Weather To Slam Shoreline; Gov Activates Severe Cold Weather Protocol

By Julie Weisberg

After an unusually balmy mid-50s-degree morning and afternoon today, frigid conditions will aggressively return to the shoreline later tonight — and remain through much of the rest of the week.

Temperatures are expected to plummet tonight into the single digits as bitter cold and winds rush back into the region, according to the National Weather Service. See the statement from CT Gov. Dannel Malloy at the bottom of this story. 

Wind chill values will be as low as -15 degrees during this latest deep freeze, with wind gusts expected to reach some 50 miles per hour at times.

No Thaw Until Thursday

Tuesday won't bring much relief, with temperatures rising only to 8 to 13 degrees above zero tomorrow.

The area won't begin to thaw out until Thursday afternoon, when the air temperature is expected to finally rise above freezing.

Extended Forecast

There is, however, some good news in the upcoming forecast, as highs for Saturday and Sunday should reach into the mid-40s.

Tonight - Partly cloudy in the evening...then becoming mostly cloudy. Blustery and much colder with lows around 10 above. West winds 15 to 20 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph...increasing to 45 mph after midnight. Wind chill values as low as 7 below after midnight. 

Tuesday - Mostly sunny and blustery. Much colder with highs around 15. West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Wind chill values as low as 11 below in the morning. 

Tuesday Night - Mostly clear and brisk. Cold with lows around 5 above. West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Wind chill values as low as 11 below. 

Wednesday - Mostly sunny. Cold with highs in the lower 20s. West winds around 10 mph. Wind chill values as low as 10 below in the morning. 

Wednesday Night - Mostly cloudy. Lows around 15. 

Thursday - Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 30s.

Gov. Dannel Malloy Activates Severe Cold Weather Protocol

With bitter cold temperatures expected again over the next few days, Governor Dannel P. Malloy has reactivated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, directing the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and the Department of Housing (DOH) to coordinate with 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the state’s most vulnerable people are protected from the severe cold weather.

“We continue to take the necessary steps to make sure that we can take care of those in need of shelter, especially our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Governor Malloy. “I urge anyone in need of shelter to call 2-1-1 and encourage 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 assist in finding shelter space 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 and DOH coordinate 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 weather outbreak.