Flood Watch and Wind Advisory Posted for Southwestern Connecticut

A Flood Watch will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Monday at 5 a.m. through Tuesday at 8 a.m. EDT: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) March 15, 2026 at 6:33 PM

A Wind Advisory will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Monday at 2 p.m. until Tuesday at 4 a.m. EDT: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) March 15, 2026 at 6:35 PM

Paul

March 13 Is an Unforgettable Day in Southwestern Connecticut Weather History

Three of the most unforgettable weather events in recent history in southwestern Connecticut happened on this date. Two powerful storms and an all-time record high temperature for the season occurred on March 13, highlighting the unpredictability of the weather this time of the year. If you're of a certain age, I'm sure you remember all three weather "events."

As hard as it may seem to believe, the temperature climbed to an incredible 84 degrees at Sikorsky Memorial Airport on March 13, 1990. That established a record high for the date, month, and the Winter season. The normal high temperature for this date is only 45 degrees and the normal low is a chilly 31.

During March, a battle rages between the Spring and Winter seasons, and that makes predicting the temperatures during this month as difficult as any time during the year. The amount of daylight continues to grow each day, and the Vernal Equinox, the first day of Spring, is a week away. But, Old Man Winter has no intentions of packing his bags just yet.

I distinctly remember watching and feeling the temperature climb that day due to a strong westerly wind. The wind direction was extremely important, since the flow didn't come from the cooler waters on Long Island Sound. I was the evening weather anchor at News 12 Connecticut 36 years ago, and our "weather video" showed people flocking to a local beach to soak up the sun and warm temperatures. I'll never forget that day.

Then, just three years later, Saturday, March 13, 1993, the famed Storm of the Century pounded the Eastern seaboard from Florida to Maine. Locally, more than foot of snow fell across southwestern Connecticut, winds gusted higher than 40 miles an hour, and wind chills hovered at or close to zero throughout the day. It was the second snowiest day on record for March, and it will always be remembered because it affected such a large area.

Very heavy snow accumulated in the south. Birmingham, Alabama, picked up one foot of snow. Snow covered the ground from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle. The heavy snow spread northward along the East Coast to Maine. On Saturday, March 13, every airport in the Eastern states was closed. Snowfall ranged up to four feet on Mount Mitchell, North Carolina. Atlanta, Georgia, picked up three inches. Chattanooga, Tennessee, received 21 inches. During the peak of the storm, about 30 percent of the entire country was hit by the rough weather.

Very warm, humid air moved across central Florida and, combined with the energy of the storm, helped spawn the 27 tornadoes. Winds were clocked at 99 mph on an oil platform off the Louisiana coast. Overall the storm took 285 lives, mostly because of tornadoes. The storm became the costliest nontropical storm in Florida's history. States of emergency were declared throughout the eastern portion of the country. 

I was called in for storm coverage that Saturday morning, and we remained on the air for more than 12 hours. Aside from the heavy snow, what I remember most from that day was the rapidly falling barometer. The pressure dropped to 28.35 inches in parts of New England, which is usually only observed in hurricanes. They peak at almost the exact opposite time of the year. By comparison, the normal average barometer reading for southwestern Connecticut is 30.02 inches.

The storm was deepening and intensifying as it moved toward New England, and the howling winds didn't let up. In the wake of the storm, back-to-back record low temperatures of 16 and 12 degrees were established on March 14 and 15, respectively, at Sikorsky Airport.

Then, 16 years ago, a powerful Nor'easter hammered Connecticut and, specifically, Fairfield County. The damaging wind gusts of 60 to 65 miles an hour, flooding rains, massive power outages, impassable roads, and week-long school closings won't soon be forgotten. We received incredible videos and photos of the widespread destruction across southwestern Connecticut. The following photos were sent by News 12 Connecticut viewers.

Former Governor the late M. Jodi Rell announced that the storm caused more than $7 million in damage statewide, and she requested a visit from Federal Emergency Management Agency officials to assess the damage. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security estimated $2.8 million worth of damage in Fairfield County alone. Fairfield County qualified for federal disaster assistance.

Preliminary damage estimates in Norwalk totaled more than $335,000, and damage to private homes was even greater. Damage to public buildings and parks, and the cost of funding police, fire, and city employee overtime reached about $335,065, according to the city's director of finance. The scoreboard at Brien McMahon High School was the single most expensive piece of property destroyed in the storm. Its damage was estimated at $18,000.

Stamford officials estimate private property damage at $3.58 million. Damage to public property was estimated at $262,000, and total overtime for city crews at $143,086. Tens of thousands of people lost power, and three school systems were closed for a week. Heavy rain delivered up to one-half inch per hour during the afternoon of March 13. Here is a sampling of area rainfall totals for that day:

• New Canaan: 4.34"
• Easton: 4.33"
• Wilton: 4.01"
• Stratford: 3.33"
• Woodbridge: 3.12"
• Westport: 2.97"
• Milford: 2.91"

This is certainly a date which will be remembered for dramatic weather on three occasions over the last 36 years.

Paul

"Spring Ahead" to Daylight Saving Time This Sunday at 2 a.m.

Spring officially begins in 12 days. The Vernal Equinox happens Friday, March 20, at 10:46 a.m. That's when the Sun's direct rays are above the Equator, creating "equal day and equal night" over the face of the Earth.

Don't forget to "Spring ahead" to Daylight Saving Time this Sunday morning at 2 o'clock. Traditionally, the start of Daylight Saving Time was originally set on the first Sunday in April. However, former President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 in August of that year. The Act changed the date for Daylight Saving Time.

Aside from the benefits of brighter evenings and commutes home from work, one of the biggest reasons we change our clocks to Daylight Saving Time is that it saves energy. Energy use and the demand for electricity for lighting our homes is directly connected to when we go to bed and when we get up. Bedtime for most of us is late evening through the year. That's when we turn off the lights and TV.

According to the energy commission, in the average home, 25 percent of all the electricity we use is for lighting and small appliances, such as TVs, VCRs and stereos. A good percentage of energy consumed by lighting and appliances occurs in the evening when families are home. By moving the clock ahead one hour, we can cut the amount of electricity we consume each day.

Studies done in the 1970s by the U.S. Department of Transportation show that we trim the entire country's electricity usage by about one percent each day with Daylight Saving Time. We also use less electricity because we are home fewer hours during the "longer" days of Spring and Summer. That's certainly welcome news for those of us living in southwestern Connecticut. If you're a parent like I am, you probably find yourself telling your children to turn off lights and any electrical devices they are not using.

Most people plan outdoor activities in the extra daylight hours. When we are not at home, we don't turn on the appliances and lights. A poll done by the U.S. Department of Transportation indicated that Americans liked Daylight Saving Time because "there is more light in the evenings (and they) can do more in the evenings."

So you may be wondering if there are any drawbacks to the switch. For one, it will be darker in the morning. Unfortunately, it will stay darker longer in the morning, and many high school students will be waiting for the bus in the dark.

Another negative is that the earlier change to DST puts the United States out of sync with the rest of the world for longer than usual, almost certainly disrupting not just computers but the business and travel schedules of workers and travelers. Most internal clocks in computing devices were programmed for the old daylight-time calendar, which Congress set in 1986. And, don't forget, we lose an hour of much-needed sleep, too.

How do you feel about starting Daylight Saving Time nearly a month earlier? As far as energy savings are concerned, I'm all for it. However, I think it will give many of us a false sense of Spring. I prefer the start of DST on the first Sunday of April.

Paul

Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Northern Fairfield & New Haven Counties

A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect for northern Fairfield and New Haven counties Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. EST: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) March 3, 2026 at 6:42 AM

Paul

Second Snowiest February on Record at Bridgeport Punctuates Frigid & Snowy Month

Now that the month of February is in the rear-view mirror, it's time to take a look at just how snowy and cold the month actually was.

Nearly two feet (22.7") of snow fell at the Bridgeport climate station, making it the second snowiest February on record, trailing only the unforgettable February of 2013, which featured the 30-inch blizzard of February 8 & 9, 2013.

This year's blizzard of February 22 & 23 delivered exactly 20" of snow, including a 15" total Monday, February 23. That Winter storm tied the February 17 & 18, 2003, Presidents' Day storm for the second highest two-day total in the city's history. In fact, there were six days with measured snow and five days with a trace of snow for the month.

February was also brutally cold. The average monthly temperature was 28.7 degrees, which is 4.4 degrees colder-than-normal. 

Eighteen days featured a colder-than-normal average temperature, including five days with an average temperature at least 10 degrees below normal. The range was 48 degrees (February 28) and two degrees (February 8).

Twenty-five days produced a low temperature of 32 degrees or colder, and five days featured a high temperature of 32 degrees or colder.

Paul

Meteorological Spring and March Opened on a Snowy Note 11 Years Ago Today

A snowstorm socked southwestern Connecticut with an average of a half-foot of snow Sunday, March 1, 2015. Officially, five inches of snow fell at Sikorsky Memorial Airport, tying the record for the date. However, Weston (7.5"), Darien (7"), Stamford (6"), and Fairfield (6") received at least a half-foot of snow. Here is the official report from the National Weather Service.

The five inches at Bridgeport brought the 2014-2015 season total to 46.1" which is more than double the normal amount (22.4") through March 1. However, it still paled in comparison to the previous year's amount of 56.5" through the same date. It was also the 17th day out of 29 since February 1st with at least a trace of snow at Bridgeport.
                                

Paul

Blizzard of 2026 Delivers Heavy Snow & Damaging Winds to Southwestern Connecticut

Click here to listen to my summary of the Blizzard of 2026 as aired on WICC 600 AM, 95.9 FM, and 107.3 FM, from Monday evening, February 23, 2026.

The Blizzard of Sunday and Monday, February 22 and 23, 2026, delivered the most snow to southwestern Connecticut in 13 years. In fact, the Winter storm brought the season snowfall total to 54.6 inches and pushed the monthly total to 21.4 inches, making it the second snowiest February on record at the Bridgeport climate station. 

Bridgeport hit the jackpot in southwestern Connecticut with 20 inches of snow, just behind New Fairfield's 21 inches, as reported by the National Weather Service. The accompanying photos are from Samp Mortar Lake in the Lake Hills section of neighboring Fairfield.

The numbers were even more impressive in eastern Connecticut. North Stonington reported more than 30 inches, while Mystic (24"), Madison (22.1"), New London (21.5"), and Pawcatuck (20.5") eclipsed the 20-inch mark.

The wind was also an issue throughout the Winter storm. Peak wind gusts of 53 mph and 51 mph were reported at Bridgeport and Fairfield, respectively. Groton, in the southeastern part of Connecticut, clocked a 68 mph wind gust Monday at 7:19 a.m.

Here is a visible satellite view of the storm.

Paul

Blizzard Warning Issued for Southwestern Connecticut Sunday & Monday

A Blizzard Warning will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Sunday at 1 p.m. through Monday at 6 p.m. EST: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 21, 2026 at 3:47 PM

Nearly one-and-a-half feet of snow is expected across southwestern Connecticut through Monday at 7 p.m. EST.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 21, 2026 at 6:35 PM

A Coastal Flood Warning will be in effect for southern Fairfield and New Haven counties Monday from 12 a.m. until 5 a.m. EST: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 21, 2026 at 3:48 PM

Paul

Major Winter Storm to Affect Southwestern Connecticut Late Sunday Into Monday

Six-to-ten inches of snow are expected across southwestern Connecticut through Monday at 7 p.m. EST.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 20, 2026 at 4:14 PM

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Sunday at 6 a.m. until Monday at 6 p.m. EST: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 20, 2026 at 4:13 PM

Paul

Marking the 23rd Anniversary of the Presidents' Day Blizzard of 2003

Today, February 17, marks the 23rd anniversary of the unforgettable Presidents Day Blizzard of 2003. It ranked as the snowiest day on record at the time at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, tying the previous mark of 16 inches established on December 19, 1948. In New York's Central Park, where records date back well over a century, the 19.8 inches ranked as the fifth snowiest single day total. 

The snowfall totals across southwestern Connecticut were impressive. Darien and New Canaan measured the most snow (20 inches), while Westport (19"), Bridgeport (17"), Norwalk (16"), and Milford (15") also posted impressive totals. New Fairfield, in Northern Fairfield County, led the way locally with exactly two feet of snow. 

The magnitude of the storm was quite impressive. It spread heavy snow across the major cities in the Northeast from Washington to Boston. In fact, it was the biggest snowstorm on record in Baltimore (28.2") and Boston (27.5"). The storm actually developed in the southern Rockies on February 14 and moved through southern Missouri and the lower Tennessee Valley over the next two days. Eventually, the storm brought heavy rain and severe weather to the deep South.

In the Northeast, Arctic air helped slow down the storm and kept all of the precipitation in the form of snow and some sleet. By late Sunday evening, February 16, the snow reached the New York City area, and by midnight, it was snowing across all of southwestern Connecticut. A secondary area of low pressure developed off the Virginia coast the morning of February 17, turning the Nor'easter into a full-blown blizzard.

Paul

Nearly Eight Inches of Snow Fell at Bridgeport Two Years Ago Today

The Bridgeport climate station recorded more than seven inches (7.6") of snow two years ago today (February 13, 2024), pushing the season total to 13.1" through the date.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 11:24 AM

Paul

Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Southwestern Connecticut

A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Tuesday at 6 p.m. until Wednesday at 6 a.m. EST: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 10, 2026 at 11:38 AM

Paul

Frigid Wind Chills Across Southwestern Connecticut Saturday & Sunday

Here are the frigid minimum wind chill reports for Fairfield County from Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026, courtesy of the National Weather Service.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 9, 2026 at 4:15 PM

Paul

Historic Snowstorm Crippled Region 13 Years Ago This Weekend

A historic snowstorm dumped nearly three feet of snow in Fairfield and snow drifts of four-to-five feet from Friday, February 8, through Saturday, February 9, 2013. The snow began falling just after 7 o'clock Friday morning, February 8, and became steadier and heavier throughout the day and night. A Blizzard Warning was issued for the entire state, and heavy snow combined with gusty winds to produce near-whiteout conditions Friday night.

By the time all was said and done, it was almost impossible to open my kitchen door and go outside late Saturday morning. The snow-level was so high that the door would not open easily. The daunting task of shoveling the snow off the steps, sidewalk, and driveway almost seemed impossible when I stepped outside. I knew that I had to take my time due to the 40-plus mile-an-hour wind gusts, wind chill values in the teens, and my advancing age. After about an hour, I began making progress.

According to the National Weather Service, Fairfield hit the jackpot with the most snow in Fairfield County with 35 inches. However, regionally, Milford topped the list with 38 inches. That's more than the normal amount of snow for the entire Winter season. The snowiest Winter on record, however, happened 27 years ago when Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford reported 78" from 1995-96. Here's a view of my street from Saturday afternoon, February 9, 2013.

Here are the totals from the National Weather Service:

• Milford: 38"
• Fairfield: 35"
• Stratford: 33"
• Monroe: 30"
• Bridgeport: 30"
• Weston: 26.5"
• Shelton: 26.5"
• Westport: 24.5"
• Greenwich: 22.5"
• Darien: 22.1"
• Norwalk: 22"
• New Canaan: 22"
• Danbury: 21.5"
• Stamford: 19"
• Newtown: 17.1"
• Bethel: 16"
• Ridgefield: 12"

The storm was the result of a combination of a strong coastal low which moved up the Atlantic seaboard and an approaching front to the North and West. The two systems merged and the storm exploded Friday night. Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy closed the state roads, much like the late-Gov. Ella Grasso 35 years earlier during the Blizzard of 1978. A snowplow driver got stuck in the snow in front of my house and abandoned his vehicle Saturday morning. It sat there for more than two days.

The second part of the storm entered into a colder environment late Friday night and with plenty of moisture it resulted in intense banding and a powdery, wind-driven snow between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. That resulted in snow totals which were much greater than expected. Fortunately, damaging winds and severe coastal flooding issues were not as severe and certainly not as widespread as feared. However, many people lost power.

Paul

Extreme Cold Warning and Wind Advisory Issued for Southwestern Connecticut

An Extreme Cold Warning will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Saturday at 1 p.m. until Sunday at 1 p.m. EST: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 6, 2026 at 7:23 AM

A Wind Advisory will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Saturday at 9 a.m. until Sunday at 12 a.m. EST: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 6, 2026 at 7:21 AM

Paul

Punxsutawney Phil: "Six More Weeks of Winter Abound"

Punxsutawney Phil: "It is my job this February 2 to look to the skies and report back to you that there is a shadow here on my ground. Six more weeks of Winter abound."

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) February 2, 2026 at 7:57 AM

February's Full Snow Moon Happens Today at 5:09 p.m. EST

You may have noticed how the Moon has been growing --- or waxing --- over the last two weeks. We didn't see much of the Moon last night, but we will be able to partially see it after it reaches Full Moon stage. That happens at 5:09 p.m. EST this evening. The Moon will rise at 4:59 p.m. local time this afternoon and will set at 7:36 a.m. tomorrow.

So, how did the February Full Moon get its name, anyway? Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the North and East most often called February's Full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult.

Remember, Full Moon names date back to the days of the Native Americans, who lived in what is now the Northern and Eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring Full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.

This Moon has also been known as the Full Storm Moon and Full Candles Moon. A Full Moon rises at about the same time the Sun is setting. Since the length of daylight continues to grow each day through the Summer Solstice, today's Full Moon will rise a little later than it did in December or January. In addition, this Full Moon will appear still fairly high in the sky since we're still in Winter.

Paul

Happy Groundhog Day

Monday is Groundhog Day, which is an unofficial weather holiday around these parts. I always look forward to the annual prediction by the Keystone State's most famous rodent. 

This has been a brutally cold Winter so far, and I'm looking forward to an early Spring. We'll know the answer early Monday morning when Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction just before 7:30 in front of a huge gathering of fans and curiosity seekers.

So, how did Groundhog Day originate, anyway? The earliest known reference to Groundhog Day can be found at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folklore Center at Franklin and Marshall College. According to storekeeper James Morris' diary dated February 4, 1841, "Last Tuesday, the second, was Candlemas Day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the groundhog peeps out of his Winter quarters. If he sees his shadow, he pops back for another six-week nap. But if it remain cloudy, he remains out as the weather is to be moderate."

According to the Old English saying, "If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again." According to the Scottish, "If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there will be two Winters in the year." Finally, the Germans believe, "For as the Sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl until May. For as the snow blows on Candlemas Day, so far will the Sun shine before May."

Over the years, there have been several interesting anecdotes to Groundhog Day. For example, during Prohibition, Phil threatened to impose 60 weeks of Winter on the community if he wasn't allowed a drink. Phil traveled to Washington, DC, in 1986 to meet with President Reagan, and, one year later, he met Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornberg. In 1993, Columbia Pictures released the movie Groundhog Day, starring comedian Bill Murray, and Phil appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1995.

Following the release of the movie, annual crowds in excess of 30,000 have visited Gobbler's Knob. The spectacle has turned into a media event and has become commercial, too, with vendors hawking "Phil" tee-shirts, sweatshirts, a plastic Phil bank, Phil ornaments, and a classic Punxsutawney Phil cookbook. I wouldn't mind wearing one of those sweatshirts, in fact!

It is said that Punxsutawney Phil gets his longevity from drinking the "elixir of life," a secret recipe. Phil takes one sip every summer at the Groundhog Picnic and it magically gives him seven more years of life. So the story goes, Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br'er Groundhog. I'm one of Phil's biggest fans!

Happy Groundhog Day.

Paul

A Cold Weather Advisory Remains in Effect for Southwestern Connecticut Through Saturday Morning

A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties until Saturday at 10 a.m. EST: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) January 30, 2026 at 5:52 PM

Paul

Significant Winter Storm Delivers More Than One Foot of Snow Across Southwestern Connecticut

The significant Winter storm Sunday delivered more than one foot of snow across most of southwestern Connecticut. In fact, more than 15 inches were measured at the Bridgeport climate station at Sikorsky Memorial Airport. 

The snow began falling just before daybreak Sunday morning and continued through the day into Sunday night. The heaviest snow fell from midday to late afternoon.

The impressive amount pushed this season's total to 33.2" of snow, which is nearly three times the normal average (12.3") through Monday. The monthly total (21.4") is more than triple the normal (6.8") for the same period.

The following photo were taken in my Fairfield neighborhood two days after the snowstorm.

Consider that last year, less than one-half-foot (5.4") fell through the same period. This season's snowfall total is nearly six times greater.

New Fairfield (16.0") and Bethel (15.7") hit the jackpot with the highest reported snow amounts in southwestern Connecticut. Danbury (15.5"), Bridgeport (15.1"), and Shelton (15.0") received at least 15" of snow from the storm.

During the height of the storm early Sunday afternoon, the temperature at Bridgeport was only 11° F with a northeast wind gusting to 30 mph and a -5° wind chill.

In addition to the snow, the prolonged cold spell is another major concern. The last time the temperature eclipsed 32° F at Bridgeport was last Friday, January 23, before an Arctic cold front moved across the region. The temperature is not expected to reach freezing again until early next week.

It appears another snowstorm is possible later this weekend. As far as Winter snow is concerned, it's either "feast or famine." This year, we're enjoying quite a snow "feast."

Paul

More Than One Foot of Snow Blankets Southwestern Connecticut

Here are the latest snowfall reports from southwestern Connecticut as of 1 a.m. EST, courtesy of the National Weather Service.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) January 26, 2026 at 5:43 AM

Paul

Winter Storm Warning Issued for Southwestern Connecticut From Sunday Morning Through Monday Evening

A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Sunday at 3 a.m. until Monday at 6 p.m. EST: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) January 23, 2026 at 6:08 PM

Approximately 12 to 18 inches of snow are expected across southwestern Connecticut through Monday at 7 p.m. EST.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) January 23, 2026 at 6:11 PM

Paul

Recalling the Snowstorm of 21 Years Ago

Twenty-one years ago today, we were digging out from a major Winter storm and dealing with brutally cold wind chills across southwestern Connecticut. The snowstorm of Saturday and Sunday, January 22 and 23, 2005, was one for the record books and will not soon be forgotten.

The snow began falling shortly after lunchtime, Saturday, January 22, and it became steadier and heavier through the afternoon. The cold air was already in place since the mercury dipped to two degrees at daybreak. By later in the day the winds began gusting out of the Northeast, and Arctic cold air had settled into the region. Roads became almost impassable by late-afternoon, and by nightfall the snow was virtually blinding.

A Blizzard Warning was issued by the National Weather Service that day. For at least three hours, the blowing snow reduced visibility to less than a quarter of a mile, and wind gusts were frequently clocked over 35 miles an hour. Adding insult to injury was the wind chill, which fell below zero by nightfall.

By the time Sunday morning, January 23, arrived, the snow had moved away, but the damaging winds and biting cold were here to stay for the time being. Nearly a foot of snow had fallen across southwestern Connecticut. Here are some of the official totals reported by the National Weather Service office:

• Milford 12.0"
• Orange 12.0"
• Darien 10.5"
• Fairfield 10.3"
• Norwalk 10.3"
• Bridgeport 9.5"
• Greenwich 9.0"
• Westport 9.0"
• Stratford 8.0"

Sunday morning's low temperature fell to six degrees above zero at Sikorsky Memorial Airport, but what I most remember about that morning was the howling and downright dangerous winds. Here is a sampling of some of the peak wind gusts from across the region:

• Orange 53.0 mph (6:39 am)
• Bridgeport 49.0 mph (6:24 am)
• Westport 45.0 mph (2:05 pm)

Shoveling the nearly one-foot of snow in those conditions was extremely difficult. I remember taking several breaks that day because the wind was just too strong. The afternoon high temperature only reached 25 degrees, but it certainly felt much colder than that. Another factor was the blowing snow, which reduced visibility even though the skies became clear and sunny for much of the day. 

By Sunday evening, roads were extremely icy, and the mercury continued to drop. The low temperature that night fell to five degrees above zero, and the wind continued to howl. It wasn't until later Monday afternoon, January 24, that the wind slowly began to subside and, by the following day, the temperature climbed to a more seasonable 34 degrees.

Paul

Cold Air Advisory Issued for Southwestern Connecticut Friday Evening Through Saturday Morning

A Cold Air Advisory will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Friday at 10 p.m. through Saturday at 12 p.m. EST: forecast.weather.gov/product.php?...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) January 23, 2026 at 7:14 PM

Paul

Thank you, Dr. Mel.

Thank you, Dr. Mel.

Perhaps no other person has influenced my love of weather more than the iconic Connecticut meteorologist Mel Goldstein, who passed away 14 years ago today at the age of 66 following a courageous 16-year battle with cancer. Dr. Mel was arguably the most respected weatherman in the Northeast, and he was a tremendous inspiration to me, professionally and personally, especially during his final years of life.

Dr. Mel first hired me, a 20-something youngster a few years removed from college, as an assistant at his Western Connecticut State University weathercenter in 1986. He knew about my interest in weather, and soon after I learned about his tremendous passion for all things meteorological, including his childlike excitement whenever a storm was brewing. Yes, that's a photo of Dr. Mel and me formulating a forecast at the WCSU weathercenter in 1986.

I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Dr. Mel for giving me the opportunity to learn from him and work for him. He always smiled and was ever the optimist, no matter what obstacles or challenges stood in his way. In fact, I wouldn't be where I am today without his help and support. He taught me to give my best every day, and I truly wanted to emulate him.

"Part of it was the fascination," Dr. Mel explained about his passion for weather. "The other part was the excitement." I worked a 10-hour shift every weekend at his weathercenter, and many times I remember Dr. Mel greeting me when I arrived for work and wishing me a safe drive home when I left. It seemed like he lived at the weathercenter, and he lived for weather.

"I never lost the interest of sharing this with other people," Dr. Mel once said. "I wanted to explain and tell the story as I understood the story to be." For years, he authored a daily weather column which appeared in the Hartford Courant. I was amazed at the variety of topics and wealth of knowledge he shared with his readers. Many times he would call me and dictate his article to me over the phone, and I would send it to the newspaper. Why do you think I blog as often as I do?

Dr. Mel was a respected professor at Western Connecticut State University, and he started the state's first degree program in meteorology. However, his influence on me extended well beyond the weathercenter. He helped me become the best teacher I could during my 10-plus years as a middle school teacher of Science. Engaging the students in hands-on experiments piqued their interest in what we were studying.

Dr. Mel's tremendous courage while battling multiple myeloma was an inspiration to many people. He kept working and doing what he loved 15 years after he was given 18 months to live. During that time, he showed us that the will to live and help others was stronger than his failing health. "There's nothing more satisfying than the feeling of helping other people," he said. "Being decent to people, being human, being understanding is far more important than anything else that we can do."

I often tell people if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. I learned that from Dr. Mel. Thank you, Dr. Mel. We miss you very much.

Paul