Slippery Roads and School Delays: How This Snowstorm Is Creating Connecticut’s Monday Morning Headache

Connecticut is bracing for a messy Monday morning as heavy snow and freezing drizzle create slick and dangerous road conditions overnight. Wiath icy highways, reduced visibility, and school delays already piling up, here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

A Storm That Means Business

A fast-moving winter storm is sweeping through Connecticut, and it’s making travel a headache for anyone trying to get around. Snow started falling steadily Sunday evening, quickly coating streets, highways, and sidewalks. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for most of the state’s interior areas, including Northern Fairfield, Northern New Haven, Northern Middlesex, and Northern New London counties.

The storm is expected to drop 2 to 4 inches of snow by early Monday morning, with the heaviest accumulation happening between 7 PM and 3 AM. But it’s not just the snow causing problems. Forecasters are warning of a brief burst of freezing drizzle before the storm clears, which could leave a dangerous layer of ice on top of the snow, making the morning commute slippery and hazardous.

Roads Are Already a Mess

Major highways, including Interstate 95, Route 15, and Interstate 84, have been hit with steady snowfall, and plow crews are working around the clock to keep them clear. But the snow is falling fast, and many side streets, parking lots, and rural areas remain untreated. Blowing snow is making visibility poor, and as temperatures drop, slick spots are developing, especially on bridges and overpasses.

By late Sunday, numerous minor accidents had already been reported, and state officials warned that conditions could worsen overnight. In response, several school districts have preemptively announced delays for Monday morning. Officials are also urging commuters to leave early and drive cautiously, especially if roads appear wet—those could be icy patches waiting to surprise you.

Why Freezing Drizzle Is the Real Problem

Freezing drizzle might sound harmless, but it’s one of the most dangerous parts of winter storms. As rain falls on cold, snow-covered ground, it freezes almost instantly, creating a thin, nearly invisible sheet of black ice. This can turn a simple trip to the grocery store into a hazardous ordeal. Even roads that look clear can be covered with slick ice, making it difficult to stop or steer, even for experienced drivers.

Here’s What You Should Do:

• Avoid Driving If You Can: The best way to stay safe is to stay home until conditions improve. If you have to head out, drive slowly and give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
• Be Prepared: Pack a winter emergency kit in your car, including blankets, a flashlight, snacks, water, and a phone charger. It’s better to be overprepared than stranded without the essentials.
• Watch for Black Ice: Be especially cautious on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. Black ice is difficult to spot, so test your brakes gently if you suspect the road may be slick.

What to Expect Monday Morning

The snow and freezing drizzle are expected to taper off by 7 AM Monday, but that doesn’t mean the danger is over. Temperatures will hover around freezing, and untreated roads may stay icy well into the morning. Commuters should plan ahead, give themselves plenty of extra travel time, and check local traffic updates before leaving the house.