Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has activated the state's Severe Cold Weather Protocol as the state experiences bitter cold wind chills and a wind advisory has been issued for parts of the state.
The severe weather protocol was enacted on Monday and will last until Jan. 21.
"The state Severe Cold Weather Protocol activates a network of procedures to ensure that the most vulnerable receive shelter from cold temps," Gov. Malloy's Office tweeted on Sunday.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Northwest winds will be about 20 to 30 miles an hour and gusts could reach 50, according to the National Weather Service. The winds could pose a risk of power outages and creates potential for small tree limbs and branches to be knocked down. If the wind blows snow around, that could also reduce visibility.
Temperatures were in the 20s Monday afternoon, but wind chill will make it feel like it's in the teens. Wind chill will also be in the teens as we approach the evening.
The severe cold weather protocol means the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection's Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will activate its WebEOC communications network, according to the Governor's Office. The system is internet-based and is a place for local, regional and state emergency management officials and first responders to share information "about a variety of situations and conditions," according to the Governor's Office.
The system monitors the capacity of shelters statewide and enables people to call 2-1-1 to see which shelters near them have room if they are in need of a place to go to seek warmth. Officials can enter information about open shelters and warming centers into the WebEOC system, so people can get information about it when they call 2-1-1.
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The Department of Social Services and Department of Health work with 2-1-1, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness and community-based providers to ensure people have transporation if they need it to the shelters.
The Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services also has staff that specialize in working with homeless individuals to find people at risk and connect them to a shelter. The department also support the shelters to help them evaluate and meet people's needs.
Our meteorologists are also tracking a possible major winter storm that may hit later in the week. Click here for the details.
