Politics & Government

Farmington Schools Will Be Closed Friday, Officials Ready for Storm

Blizzard watch is upgraded to a warning on Thursday afternoon, with 18-24 inches of snow plus heavy winds forecast for the area.

The word went out late Thursday evening that Farmington Public Schools will be closed for the day on Friday, Feb. 8 in anticipation of the impending blizzard.

On Thursday afternoon, a Blizzard Watch for northern Connecticut was upgraded to a Blizzard Warning. According to the National Weather Service, snowfall of 18 to 24 inches is anticipated, with wind gusts up to 60mph possible. Snow is supposed to begin early Friday morning, with the heaviest accumulation occuring overnight Friday into Saturday.

Farmington issued a parking ban, which will be in effect until further notice. 

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

But though town officials are prepared for the worst, they're not yet rushing into emergency operations. 

"We're just doing our normal preparations right not. We're still on a wait and see basis," said Assistant Town Manager Erica Robertson Thursday after officials met to discuss the storm. "We’ll be working tomorrow so right now we’re waiting for a better forecast."

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

While the town has not planned to open an emergency shelter, Robertson said the town is ready and will do so if necessary.

In addition, public works employees will pretreat the roads in anticipation of snow and ice. 

Several town cancellations have already been announced, including a joint concert with Farmington High School ensembles and the 102nd Army Band. That event will be rescheduled. The Girl Scout Sweetheart Dance has also been postponed. 

For those parents in need of childcare, EXCL will be open tomorrow at Noah Wallace School.


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