[Update 5:00 PM Monday] Winter Storm Center: Guilford

Update 11:00 PM, 2/10/13

Here's the latest updates from the town as of this afternoon. They report that the major town roads are passable, but may be slippery after today's rain. Now that major roads are passable, the town is working on secondary and subdivision roads, but weather conditions are slowing down the process.

We've added some photos to our Blizzard 2013 Photos- Check them out here. 

Update 5:00 PM 2/10/13

The town continues to ask residents to stay off roads as crews are out clearing roads. 

No School for Guilford Public Schools tomorrow, Feb. 12.

We are continuing to update our list of roads that are reported plowed, or not plowed, here in Guilford. 

We're starting to learn about stories of communities coming together are starting to, like these folks in the Bluff Head Drive Community, and on Cricket Trail. 

Update 9:00 PM, 2/10/13

First Selectman Joe Mazza spoke to us late Sunday afternoon, saying that about 50% of Guilford's town roads are cleared and crews will continue to work through the night.

There is no school for Guilford Public Schools tomorrow. 

There was a partial roof collapse at Guilford Food Center today, but the store will continue to run as usual, as the collapse was only partial and it will not affect business. Guilford Fire Department was on the scene this afternoon to shore up the roof. 

Tomorrow's commute could be a tricky one, as forecasters predict we coud get some freexing rain. 

President Obama has approved Malloy's request for Federal Emergency Declaration. 

Update 2:00 PM, 2/10/13

President Obama has approved Malloy's request for a Federal Emergency Declaration. 

We continue to update our information on Businesses that are open in town, as well as roads that have been reported plowed by our readers.

Guilford Public Schools Communications Coordinator saying that a decision concerning the status of school tomorrow will be made between 3 and 4 today. We will keep you posted when we have more information.

Update 11:00 AM, 2/10/13

The town of Guilford has requested assistance from the state for more equipment and personnel. They posted this on their Facebook Page:

The First Selectman has requested assistance from the State to secure more equipment and personnel to aid in clean up efforts.

Update 10:45 AM, 2/10/13

Sarah Bishop DellaVentura Just posted this on our FB, in case any one missed it:

Bishop's Orchards will be opening at 12pm today and closing at 6pm. Be safe if you are out on the roads!

Update 9:00 AM, 2/10/13

Crews continue to work around the clock to plow Guilford town roads (all 200 miles of them,) says First Selectman Joe Mazza. Read his full Sunday morning update here. 

The town has also posted this on their Facebook Page this morning:

While I do not have specific road information, crews have been out working to continue clearing roads in Town. Please understand that we have over 200 miles of roads in Town. We are working as quickly as possible and have every resource available to us including payloaders that we are subcontracting. Your continued patience is appreciated.

We continue to update our list on what businesses are open today and which ones are closed. If your business will be open, add it to our comments and we'll update the post! We are also begining to develop a list on what roads are plowed in town. If you've been plowed, tell us in the comments.

Update 9:15 PM, 2/9/13

We are currently working on a list of businesses that will be open or closed tomorrow. Please let us know about yours. 

Update 6:30 PM, 2/9/13

First Selectman Joe Mazza tells Guilford Patch that plow crews are continuing to work on the roads in Guilford. "We will be running limited crews in Guilford overnight," said Mazza. "Several of our guys have been working 30 hours straight or more, and they need a break. But we will have limited crews running through the night."

Mazza also emphasized that residents should not be concerned about Emergency Vehicles getting to them in the case of an emergency. "If you have an Emergency, we will get to you, do not worry about that," said Mazza. "Our Firetrucks are equipped with plows on them so we will reach you in a timely manner."

Read more about updates from the First Selectman here. 

Update 4:00 PM, 2/9/13

Malloy has lifted the travel ban on CT, but residents he continues to encourage residents to stay off the roads. 

Update 11:00 AM, 2/9/13

The Town sharing on Facebook about the town's power outage status:

CL&P has advised the Town that once winds wind down, more crews will be in the area to work on restoring the power.

Lots of business closures starting to be reported via Facebook:

Page's Hardware is closed until further notice they say on Facebook:

Page's is closed until further notice. Everyone with a key to the building is still snowed in. We will keep you posted.

The Stone House reports too that they will not be open for lunch:

As much as we would like to, unfortunately we will definitely be closed for lunch and most likely dinner. We hope everyone stays safe and remember if you don't have to leave your homes stay put!

Jordie's shared this on Facebook:

It appears we have to close for the day...we will try again on Sunday..sad, but true...

Red Rooster Baking Company said this on FB:

Unfortunately we will be closed today because if this crazy storm!! Anyone picking up orders today I will make arrangements to be open for a short time tomorrow for pick ups....be safe and be careful of your backs when shoveling !!!

Update 10:15 AM, 2/9/13

First Selectman Joe Mazza spoke to Guilford Patch earlier this morning and he told us that all of the crews are out plowing. Additionally, the town has added contracted workers to their force.

Currently, according to CL&P's outage map, 4% of Guilford homes are without power, which is a big drop from 12% earller today. 

Malloy has closed the roads and issued a travel ban. The blizzard warning is in effect until noon today, Malloy said. 

Update 10:00 PM, 2/8/13

WTNH.com News 8 reporting that a tractor trailer accident closed down I-95 SB this afternoon in Guilford.

The CL&P outage map reporting only .33% outages in Guilford. Many residents commenting on our Facebook page their lights are flickering on and off tonight. 

CT DOT Twitter (CTDOT_Statewide) reporting a disabled vehicle on I-95 in Guilford a half a mile beyond exit 59 at 8:51 PM. They reported the incident cleared at 10:09 PM. 

We've posted our Photos from the Storm- Share yours (only when it is safe for you to do so)!

Closing Updates:

 Conex Credit Union posted this on their Facebook:

[Alert]: All Connex branches and call center will be closed due to the storm. You can still Unbank online or use our Call24 service!

GCTV will not be open tomorrow for studio hours, they said this on Facebook:

Do to the weather GCTV will not open for Saturday studio hours. We do plan to run a new schedule of programming for the weekend. Stay safe.

Guilford Savings Bank announced their closure tomorrow via Facebook:

For the safety of our employees, all of our offices will be closed on Saturday, February 9...

North Guilford Congregational Church has decided to cancel their Valentine's Dinner, saying this on Facebook: 

Due to the storm the Valentine's Dinner planned for Saturday night has been cancelled. But you can still purchase a delicious lasagne to take home-just contact the church office.

Update 7:30 PM, 2/8/13

Power Outages anticipated! The town just posted this message of their website:

CL&P anticipates at least 30% power outages in the area. Town crews are out. Please stay off the roads and adhere to parking bans, we will tow -no exceptions.

Update 3:30 PM, 2/8/13

After speaking with the Guilford Police Department, they report that Leetes Island Road, which the DOT had reported closed earlier today due to flooding, is open as far as they knew. 

First Selectman Joe Mazza gave Guilford Patch an update on the town. "The most difficult time is still to come tonight," he said. "We continue to monitor the situation. We're soon to have an Emergency Management meeting with the heads of town departments to keep up our communications."

Mazza says that currently, the Community Center is not opened as an Emergency Shelter. If there are significant, sustained power outages in the town, the town will open the Shelter, he said.

Supplies are solid at Page's Hardware. "We're good on supplies," Andrew Page told Guilford Patch outside the store. "We have everything you might need to get through the storm. It's quiet now, but tomorrow may be a different story." Andrew said that he planned to close the store anywhere between four and six, depending on conditions. 

Update 11:45 AM, 2/8/13

Guilford Free Library posted on their Facebook page that they are closing today at noon. 

Update 11:15 AM, 2/8/13

The Town of Guilford just sent out this message on their preparations for the storm and other important information.  

Update 11:10 AM, 2/8/13

According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation website, Route 1 at Leetes Island Road in Guilford is closed due to flooding. The incident was reported Friday, February 8 at 10:35 am. Read more here. 

Update 11 AM, 2/8/13

Still on the look out for supplies, Page's has you covered. They posted this about an hour ago:

The True Value truck just arrived with more snow shovels and ice melt. Drive safely while you are out and about.

Closting Updates

Guilford Savings Bank will close at 12 PM. Here's their Facebook Post:

‎[Important]: For the safety of our employees, all of our offices will be closing at 12:00 Noon on Friday, February 8, 2013. For updates throughout the storm, please continue to check here or visit gsb-yourbank.com/storm.

Guilford Veterinary Hospital will also close at noon today. 

Mix Design Store and Jordie's are both closed. 

Update 9 AM, 2/8/13

The Guilford Fire Department just posted on their Facebook Page that the town's EOC is in the monitoring stage; here's what they said:

Guilford EOC is currently in monitor status. May go to partial activation if conditions warrant.

Still out grabbing those last minute supplies? Page Hardware just updated their Emergency supply status, here's what they said on their Facebook page:

We have batteries, propane, lamp oil, snow shovels, and ice melt. We expect a delivery with more shovels and ice melt to arrive in about an hour. Stay tuned...

We are out of roof rakes, do not have any snow throwers, and still do not carry generators.

If you're looking for some treats, Red Rooster Baking Company is currently open, and will be open for most of the day. Check out their Facebook Page to see their message. Hungry for Breakfast? The Hidden Kitchen says they're open!

Closing Updates 

Due to the weather, Ballou's Restaurant and Wine Bar has elected to close both their locations today, including Guilford.  

Flutterby and Cinderella's Attic are also closed.

Update: 7:30 AM, 2/8/13

Gov. Malloy saying all nonessential state employees should not report to work Friday. He said this is a press release:

Governor Dannel P. Malloy is asking nonessential state employees to stay home on Friday in advance of the coming blizzard.  However, evening and midnight shift employees should report to work as normal on Friday.

The Governor also announced that he will fully activate the state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Friday at 9:00 a.m. to continue coordinating the state’s response to the storm.

The DMV will be closed today. They posted this on their website:

Department of Motor Vehicles' offices statewide will be closed Friday and officials will determine after storm hits whether to open offices on Saturday for the usual morning hours. Customers with cancelled road test appointments or Cheshire office learner's permit tests can reschedule by calling the DMV Phone Center when offices reopen.

Original Story, 11 PM, 2/7/13

A Blizzard Warning is in effect for Guilford, and with it comes closings, cancellations, and a need for storm preparedness. If your planning on closing your business tomorrow, or you're planning on being open, let your neighbors know in the comments. Have any other tips as we get ready for the storm, share them in the comments section.

Closings/Cancellations

With blizzard conditions forecast, Guilford Public Schools have opted to close tomorrow.  You can keep up to day on closures and delays of the schools on their website or by calling 203-453-8200. This document also lists other ways to stay up to date with school announcements on openings and closures during adverse weather conditions. 

A few local businesses will be closed tomorrow as well. According to their Facebook Page, KC's Pub will be closed tomorrow, as will YOLO. Jordie's posted on their Facebook page that they are going to try and open tomorrow in the morning, and Comfort Keepers announced they will open until at least noon.  

Guilford Art Center posted this on their Facebook page concerning the opening reception of their Student Exhibit:

Due to the impending snowstorm, we are RESCHEDULING the opening reception of the Student Exhibit to NEXT Friday, when the weather will hopefully cooperate...

Mix decided to postpone their Valentine's Day Party until Sunday, Feb. 10 at noon, and The Stone House opted to postpone their Friday night event, posting this on their Facebook page:

Attention everyone who has made reservations, or was planning to come to the Bistro Night, Friday, February 8th, because of the IMPENDING SNOW STORM, we will be postponing the dinner to Thursday, February 21st. We will have the same wonderful menu paired with the same wonderful wines from Bob from Mount Carmel Wines and Spirits.

Preparedness

Are you prepared for the storm? For information on town of Guilford town policies, from parking bans, to snow removal, to schools closures: check out this Winter Weather Primer.  CL&P has storm preparedness tips on its website, as does the American Red Cross. You can view a PDF of the Red Cross's storm tips above.

If you're looking to stock up on supplies in town early Friday morning, if you haven't already, you're covered. Page's Hardware posted this on their Facebook page Thursday afternoon:

Emergency Supply Status Update: We have: snow shovels, ice melt, sleds, batteries, lanterns, gas cans, and propane tanks 

We do NOT carry generators (try Killingworth True Value or Giant Oak)

Bishop's is also ready to roll, they posted this on their Facebook page Thursday afternoon:

Bishops is fully stocked!We are geared up for you to shop before the storm! Firewood, milk, bread, salad items, apples, eggs, juice, wine and hard cider are hot items! If power fails, our generator will keep us open. Watch for more postings as weather changes. We will be open as long as safe to do so for our staff.

We'll keep you as updated as possible should supplies start to run low!

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