LYME/OLD LYME — UPDATED 1/29 at 12:30am: Asked what the most important thing that residents could do to prepare for the upcoming storm, Old Lyme Director of Emergency Management David Roberge said emphatically, “Be prepared.” He elaborated saying, “Expect power outages, concentrate on staying warm and if you’re in a low-lying area, be ready to self-evacuate at a moment’s notice.”
He added, “Be sure to text OLSTORM to 888-777 to receive messages on the latest storm information from the Town of Old Lyme when they are sent out.”
Statewide Announcements
Governor Ned Lamont has announced that no tractor trailers will be allowed on the road in Connecticut and neighboring states after 6 a.m. Saturday.
Mass transit services have said they will have limited or no service on Saturday. MetroNorth will run limited service, buses will cease running and AMTRAK will suspend service following the last train Friday night.
A decision whether to ban car travel will be made as the storm progresses.
Local Cancellations/Closures/Parking Bans
A town-wide parking ban will be in effect in Old Lyme from 12 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, until 12 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 30. Move any vehicles on the street into a driveway so the streets can be safely plowed.
High Hopes, Lyme Art Association and the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library are all closed Sat. Jan. 29.
Old Lyme Parks and Rec. Youth Basketball has been canceled for Saturday, Jan 29.
Both Lyme and Old Lyme Congregational Churches have moved their Sunday, Jan. 30 services to Zoom only.
Here are some general rules to follow as you prepare for the storm, and once it has reached us:
- Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Use generators outside only.
- Stay indoors and dress warmly.
- Prepare for power outages.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Travel will be hazardous. Stay off the roads during the storm.
- Your cell phone will be an important tool during this emergency — make sure it is charged.
- Stay away from downed power lines and call 911 to report them.
- Exposure to cold temperatures and sustained winds will contribute to hypothermia and dehydration. If you go outside, dress in layers and wear hats, scarves and gloves. Remove wet clothing as soon as you are back indoors.
- If there is a fire hydrant on or near your property, please help by keeping it clear for emergency use.
- Call 911 to report all emergency situations.