The NBC Connecticut meteorologists have issued a First Alert for Saturday as a coastal storm moves into Connecticut, bringing significant snow to parts of the state.
Snow began across most of the state around 10 a.m. Saturday, and quickly caused conditions on Connecticut's highways to deteriorate.
A 20-car pileup closed I-91 North in Middletown for roughly six hours. Three tractor-trailers and two tanker trucks were also involved in the crash. There were no serious injuries.
State police troopers responded to about 115 crashes and 94 motorist assist calls as of 4 p.m., according to TFC Kelly Grant.
As of 5 p.m there were 821 state Department of Transportation plows out on the roads and Gov. Dannel Malloy's office was advising residents to stay off the roads if possible.
"If travel is necessary, motorists are urged to exercise caution, to build in extra travel time, and to practice safe winter driving skills-such as slowing down, increasing following distance, driving in already traveled lanes, keeping headlights on, and avoiding distractions in your vehicle," Malloy said in a statement.
Bradley International Airport reported four canceled departures and seven delayed departures, as well as seven canceled arrivals and seven delayed arrivals due to the weather as of 5:30 p.m.
Local
NBC Connecticut meteorologists said the heaviest part of the storm will be in the mid-late afternoon on Saturday, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., before tapering to flurries early to mid-evening.
The shoreline and eastern parts of the state should expect between 5 to 10 inches of snow. Moving up into Litchfield county and the hills there will be less accumulation, between 3 to 5 inches. The Northwestern Hills will see the least snow, between 1 to 3 inches.
As a result, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for New London, New Haven, Middlesex, Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties. Winter weather advisories are in effect for Fairfield and Litchfield counties.
