Community Corner

UPDATED: Waking Up To A Winter Wonderland

With Storm Benedict in full swing, we have a winter wonderland to enjoy, but a blizzard to contend with.

By the time you read this,  we'll have a winter wonderland on our hands. I know this because at the start of writing this, it already is beginning to look quite magical—from the safe and warm indoors. Being outside is a different story.

According to the National Weather Service, Tolland is under a  until 8 p.m. and is forecast to reach blizzard conditions during the day, with estimates accumulations up to 12 to 16 inches. Heavy snow combined with strong winds will lead to low visibilities—one quarter mile at times—making for hazardous driving conditions, especially for the morning commute.

If you absolutely need to leave the house and drive today, please follow 

Find out what's happening in Tollandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tolland Patch will do our best to keep you updated over the course of the storm.

For further updates, visit the State's Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Find out what's happening in Tollandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here's a list of cancellations, closures and delays:

  • Tolland Schools are closed today. 
  • Town offices in Tolland are closed. They will re-open tomorrow at 8 a.m.
  • There is a trash delay, so  Wednesday pick-up will be delayed until Thursday. Thursday pick-up will be delayed to Friday, and Friday's will be on Saturday.
  • The  meeting original set for today at the town hall has been rescheduled. It will now be this Thursday at the Tolland High School, in the second-floor library, at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Hunger Banquet, scheduled for today at , has also been canceled. The event will be rescheduled.
  • A parking ban is in effect for the Town. In order to aid snow removal by the Town, vehicles are not allowed to park on public streets or municipal parking lots.
  • University of Connecticut at Storrs  is closed, including day intersession classes on Wednesday. For evening intersession classes, an announcement will be made after noon.
  • Eastern Connecticut State University is also closed.

Here is a list of town-specific things handy to know during storms:

  • For shelter information, residents should call the  at at 860-875-2543 or   at 860-896-3222.
  • Due to the snowstorm, there is a parking ban in effect throughout the town. Help out those fine people removing snow from the Tolland streets by making sure your vehicles are not parked on the road.
  • Be kind to your neighbors—and follow town ordinance—by not shoveling, blowing, or plowing snow from your driveway into or across the road. You will be held liable if the snow that you (or your contractor) have dumped in the road causes an accident.
  • Residents are also responsible for clearing the public sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after the storm has concluded.
  • Residents can also help minimize street flooding by shoveling snow and ice from the fronts of storm inlets nearest your homes. 
  • Other snow-related questions may be directed to the Tolland Public Works Department at 860-871-3690.
  •  For information on other town closings and delays, you may tune into or log onto WFSB, WTNH and WVIT, as well as dial into the radio stations WILI-AM/FM, WTIC-AM/FM and WRCH-AM.

Safety Reminders

Widespread power outages are a possibility due to strong winds and heavy snow resting on power lines. Make sure you know where your candles, matches, and flashlights are. Don't forget to locate all new batteries in the house as well (I keep fresh batteries affixed to an AM/FM radio with a rubber band in the drawer next to my bed at all times).

It's also useful when a big storm is coming to fill bathtubs with large bucket-loads of water and stock up on drinking water in order to be as prepared as possible in the event of a sustained power outage.

The Fire Department is also reminding residents to keep exhaust vents and furnaces free of snow and ice during the storm. It can cause improper combustion or venting within the furnace or, in some cases, can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to accumulate inside the home. See as a homeowner to take precautions to ensure your safety.

Residents with outdoor natural gas meters, water heaters or furnaces that are vented to the outside, are reminded to keep meters and appliance vents clear of snow and ice, or risk loss of heat or hot water service. If snow or ice is found near an outdoor natural gas meter or appliance vent, it is important that it be brushed away gently to keep the vent clear. 

To avoid natural gas service problems, Yankee Gas, a Northeast Utilities Company, suggests you follow these basic tips:

  • Keep your meter and appliance vents clear of snow and ice
  • Keep the meter visible at all times and accessible for maintenance and emergency responders, such as Yankee Gas service mechanics and public safety officials
  • Make sure water dripping from your eaves or roof is not freezing on the meter
  • Keep meter and appliance vents unobstructed and free of debris
  • Never kick or hit your natural gas meter or its piping to break away built-up snow or ice

With the rise of energy costs, many residents also look to alternative sources to warm their homes, especially during storms. Play it safe by having at least three feet of clearance around a space heater. Please also ensure that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your homes.  When in doubt about alternative heating sources, call the  at 860-871-3675.

Now, to lighten the mood:

For a list ideas of fun things to do with your children during a snow day, check out A Snowy Day Survival Guide For Parents.

With the kids out of school and inches of snow, today is a perfect day for fun in the snow. We want to see your snowmen, forts, sledding, and even the snow piling up on your deck and trees. Send us your pictures, and we'll include them in our own regional photo gallery of the blizzard. Email your pictures to yours truly at renee.canada@patch.com


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