by Staff Report
HARTFORD, CT – Gov. Ned Lamont has again activated Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol due to a blast of unusually cold weather that will impact the state in the coming week.
Wind chills during the overnight hours are expected to drop into the single digits and near zero at times.
The Severe Cold Weather Protocol will be active from 6 p.m. on Dec. 29 until noon on Sunday, Jan. 4.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time, according to a release from the governor’s office.
While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters, officials said.
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
This is the fourth time this month the protocol has been enacted.
“So far this season we’ve experienced conditions that are unusually cold for what we typically receive during the month of December, and it’s looking like that trend will continue through the remainder of this week and leading into the new year,” Lamont said in the release. “Being outdoors for extended periods in temperatures this cold is dangerous and can even be life threatening, and this protocol enables the state to work with our municipal and nonprofit partners to ensure shelter is available for anyone who needs it.”