Eastern Connecticut residents will be facing brutally cold temperatures fed by whipping winds as they continue digging out from a massive Thursday storm that dropped more than a foot of snow in some towns.
Temperatures on Friday aren’t expected to rise much above the single digits and wind gusts of up to 33 mph are possible for much of the region.
The sheer amount of snow and the dangers of being outside in such frigid conditions for any length of time prompted several school districts, including Norwich and Woodstock, to cancel classes for a second day.
On Thursday, the stubborn nor’easter held sway over the state for much of the morning and afternoon. The storm’s intensity ramped up to blizzard conditions causing near whiteout conditions.
Municipal road crews spent the day trying to keep up as snow fell at a clip of up to more than an inch an hour.
In Franklin, First Selectman Charlie Grant said plow workers held their own as they cleared their routes.
"We're already talking with school personnel about a delayed opening (Friday)," he said.
The storm did offer an opportunity to showcase the selflessness - and bravery - of some of the region's residents.
Two Day Kimball Healthcare at Home staffers undertook a lengthy car ride in dangerous conditions to ensure a patient had the right medical equipment, said agency Director Renee Smith.
“(On Thursday), we received a call from one of our hospice patients to report that the oxygen equipment scheduled for delivery from a local vendor… had not been received, and without it, boarding a plane… for an out-of-state visit with family would not be possible,” she said.
After learning the vendor was closed for the day, hospice Program Manager Erica Alexander and Home Health Clinical Manager Terri Ducharme headed into the storm.
“Without hesitation, Erica and Terri hopped into one of their four-wheel drive vehicles and drove to the supplier, located about 25 miles from Putnam, to pick up the oxygen equipment and deliver it to the patient,” Smith said.
The storm served as a meteorological “closed” sign for much of the region with schools, town halls, medical centers shuttered for the day and several businesses canceling daytime shifts. Jurors were told not to report to courts and towns issued parking bans in an effort to keep roads clear for plow trucks.
Plainfield police Capt. Mario Arriaga said it was treacherous in town for most of the day.
"It's terrible," he said. "The plows are out, but they're having a hard time keeping up with the accumulation.”
Arriaga said despite early warnings, some drivers still ignored parking bans.
"We've already had five or six issues with people - mainly out-of-towners - not abiding by our parking ban," Arriaga said. "But no major crashes or road incidents so far. People seem to be staying off the roads."
AAA said calls for emergency roadside assistance actually decreased on Thursday compared to previous days, a phenomenon officials attributed to drivers staying off the roads.
According to a state police activity summary, troopers responded to a total 437 calls for service between the hours of 6-11:30 a.m. on Thursday. Troopers had also responded to 34 crashes, including two with injuries.
Gov. Dannel Malloy ordered “nonessential” state employees not to report in for first- and second-shift work. He also “strongly” urged motorists to stay off state highways, but did not issue a travel ban.
Despite the high winds, Eversource did not report widespread outages in the state. Norwich Public Utilities workers were kept busy with a water main break that interrupted service to 120 East Great Plain-area customers.
In Norwich, streets were pre-treated on Wednesday to give the city’s fleet of 24 plows a fighting edge.
“We also made sure catch basins were cleared before people went home to get some rest," Public Works Director Ryan Thompson said.
Despite the pelting snow, some Norwich residents just couldn’t stay home. Brothers Gregory and Keith Williams braved the cold on Thursday morning to walk to a neighborhood store.
"It's not that cold, but it's a lot of snow," Gregory Williams said.
Despite the harsh conditions, the occasional car or shipping truck could be seen passing along West Thames Street, where the brothers were walking.
"It's only a couple minute walk," Keith Williams said. "I am surprised to see cars out though."
Stephanie Menders and Anna Maria Della Costa contributed to this article.