Many trees and tree branches came crashing down due to the weight of the heavy, wet snow, the leaves still on the trees, and the gusty winds. As of early this morning, there were more than 760,000 customers of Connecticut Light and Power still in the dark, and 9,000 United Illuminating customers were without power. As a result, many school systems are closed or have delayed openings today.
The snow totals were unbelievable for October. Danbury reported 17 inches of snow, while Ridgefield (15.5") and Shelton (12.8") received over a foot. Locally, Wilton (10.8"), New Canaan (6.0"), Norwalk (5.5"), and Bridgeport (4.0") also had record-breaking snow. Viewer Ralph Fato of Norwalk sent this photo of the Route 7 connector Saturday afternoon.
The normal average monthly snowfall for October in southwestern Connecticut is just a trace. Prior to this weekend, the only measured snow in October fell on Sunday, October 4, 1987, when a half-inch coated the region. That's what makes this latest snowstorm historic. Take a look at this photo of an ice- and snow-covered lake along Route 7 Sunday afternoon.
In the wake of the storm, skies cleared, the wind abated, and the temperature dropped like a rock last night. The mercury fell into the 20s inland and lower 30s along the shoreline early this morning, causing icy roads and cold homes for those without power this morning. Take a look at this picture of a downed tree and snow-covered Route 7 in Danbury. Is this really October?
Fortunately, our weather should be quiet for much of the week ahead. Halloween will be fine for the trick-or-treaters under partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the 40s to close to 50 degrees. Tonight will become mostly cloudy with a chance of a shower or two late and a low in the 30s to close to 40 degrees along the coast. At least we won't have to look at any more photos of snow and a fallen tree over the railroad tracks in the near future.
Have a happy and safe Halloween.
Paul
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