“Treacherous” Road Conditions Statewide

Roads across Connecticut have been worse today than during last week's blizzard as a storm brings heavy, blowing snow and a wintry mix the state.

State police called the conditions treacherous Monday morning and asked anyone who can stay off the roads to do so. Driving conditions deteriorated as the afternoon wore on. Visibility is minimal and snow is falling faster than the plows can keep up with.

When the storm hit last week, a travel ban was issued from Monday night through Tuesday afternoon, but no travel ban was imposed on Monday and there have been crashes statewide.

During an interview early Monday morning, Scott Devico, of the state Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection, said state officials did not think the conditions warranted a travel ban.

"This is sort of your classic New England winter storm," he said. "If residents give themselves enough time, take it slow and give yourself some extra room ... you should be able to get to your destination fine today."

Scott Devico, of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services, gives an update on the roads and explains why the state didn’t decide to set a travel ban like n the blizzard.

Lt. Paul Vance, of Connecticut State Police, said in a separate interview that the road conditions are "treacherous" and asked anyone who does not have to go out to stay off the roads.

The state Department of Transportation is doing the best job they can, but the snow is coming down quickly, he said this morning.

"Treacherous road conditions. DOT's out here doing the best they can, but we've had a lot of spin-outs this morning, a lot of accidents," Vance said. "If you can stay off the road -- if you do not have to go out -- it's safest for you to stay home."

Kevin Nursick, of the state Department of Transportation said 850 vehicles are out and clearing the roads, but he urged people who need to drive to drive slowly and leave extra travel time.

"A rushing driver is a dangerous driver when it comes to snowy conditions," Nursick said.

Get the latest morning forecast from NBC Connecticut.

Greenwich police aalso asked residents to stay off the roads during the storm so crews from the Department of Public Works can clear the roads.

Interstate 84 was covered in snow during the early morning commute and cars were traveling as slowly as 30 miles an hour. Even after the plows come through, it only takes 10 minutes for the roads to be blanketed by snow again.

Visibility was poor on highways statewide this morning and it is poor again as of 3:30 p.m.

State police responded to several spin-outs and secondary roads are still snow-covered and slippery in many towns, as plows hit the major roads and highways first. Some streets in Waterford haven't been plowed yet.

Plow driver Bill Havrda, of East Lyme, started plowing around 4 a.m.

"Just be careful stopping because you can slide pretty far," he said.

Hartford police have towed and ticketed hundreds of cars left on the street in violations of the city’s parking ban and ask residents to move their cars.

If you need to reach state police, but it's not an emergency, here are the phone numbers.

Since 12:01 a.m. on Monday, AAA has responded to 494 calls for emergency road aid in the Greater Hartford and eastern Connecticut regions.

If you have car troubles, pull as far off the road you can and turn your emergency flashers on so that you're visible, stay in your car until help arrives and call AAA for assistance, AAA advises.

For more on travel conditions, follow Heidi Voight on Twitter.

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