Overview:
A powerful winter storm swept across Connecticut and much of the Northeast beginning Sunday evening, prompting Governor Ned Lamont to declare a statewide state of emergency and implement a commercial vehicle travel ban on limited-access highways. With whiteout conditions and high winds creating dangerous travel conditions, state and municipal crews are now working to clear roads as snowfall tapers off Monday morning.
HARTFORD, CT (February 23, 2026) — A powerful winter storm moved across Connecticut and much of the Northeast beginning Sunday evening, prompting Governor Ned Lamont to declare a statewide state of emergency and restrict commercial vehicle travel on limited-access highways.
As of 8:00 a.m. Monday (02/23/26), snowfall across much of the state has begun tapering off, and private, municipal and state plow crews are actively clearing highways, local roads, and secondary routes.
State of Emergency Issued Ahead of Blizzard Conditions
On Sunday, February 22, Governor Lamont signed a declaration of civil preparedness emergency in anticipation of what officials described as a major winter storm bringing:
- Heavy snowfall
- Intense wind gusts
- Whiteout conditions
- Severely reduced visibility
“During its height, we are going to experience intense winds that will cause whiteout conditions, severely limiting visibility and making motor vehicle travel very dangerous,” Lamont said in a statement. He urged residents statewide to avoid unnecessary travel and to reach their destinations before early Sunday evening.
Declaring a state of emergency provides the governor with expanded authority to implement measures designed to protect public safety, including roadway restrictions.
Commercial Vehicle Travel Ban Implemented
Beginning at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, an emergency order prohibited all commercial vehicles from traveling on limited-access highways statewide until further notice.
The restriction applies to:
- Tractor trailers
- Tankers
- Trucks and permitted vehicles
- RVs
- Vehicles towing trailers
The order does not apply to emergency response vehicles, utility crews, or vehicles transporting essential goods such as:
- Food
- Fuel
- Medical supplies
State officials coordinated the order with neighboring Northeast states implementing similar measures as the storm impacted the broader region.
Northeast Impact
The storm system extended beyond Connecticut, affecting major metropolitan areas across the Northeast, including parts of:
- Boston
- New York City
- Providence
Blizzard-like conditions were reported in several areas overnight, with strong wind gusts contributing to drifting snow and hazardous highway travel.
Cleanup Underway Monday Morning
By early Monday morning, snowfall rates decreased across much of Connecticut. State Department of Transportation crews and local public works departments have been deployed overnight and remain actively engaged in:
- Plowing primary and secondary roads
- Treating surfaces with salt and sand
- Clearing highway ramps and bridges
Officials continue to advise drivers to exercise caution, as lingering snowpack, ice accumulation, and reduced visibility remain concerns.
The Governor’s Office is expected to issue an update once it determines when the commercial vehicle travel restriction can safely be lifted.
Public Safety Guidance
Residents are encouraged to:
- Limit travel until roads are fully cleared
- Check local advisories before commuting
- Allow additional time for emergency crews to operate safely
- Clear snow from sidewalks and hydrants where possible
While Connecticut is accustomed to winter weather, officials emphasized that the combination of wind intensity and snowfall made this system particularly dangerous at its peak.
Sources: CT Gov State Website Press Release State of Emergency
Presence News will continue monitoring updates from state and municipal officials throughout the day.
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