HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Cities and towns across the state are notifying residents of parking bans as they prepare for the incoming snowstorm that may bring blizzard conditions to southeastern Connecticut.
With a blizzard warning in effect for northern and southern New London counties, New London city officials are implementing a complete parking ban in the downtown area and winter parking restrictions for other parts of the city.
Starting Friday at midnight, no parking will be allowed in the downtown area or on narrow streets. Downtown residents and visitors can park in the Water Street Parking Garage for free and for up to 24 hours after the storm.
Per the parking restrictions, parking is only allowed on the odd sides of streets that allow parking on both sides and posted regulations should be followed for streets that allow parking on only one side of the street.
People living in the Michael Road and Anthony Road area are allowed to park in Bate Woods for up to 24 hours after the storm.
The parking ban will be in place until plowing operations have ended, city officials said. Officials also encourage those who need shelter to visit the United Methodist Church at 130 Broad Street or the city's warming center at the New London Public Library on Huntington Street during business hours.
The city of Hartford is activating a snow parking ban starting at 8 p.m. Friday. Though the ban is anticipated to end Sunday morning, city officials said an official announcement will be made when the ban is lifted.
With on-street parking prohibited, the city reminds residents that there are nine Blue Light Lots for use which will open at 2 p.m. Friday. Vehicles can also be parked at authorized city parks, Hartford Public School parking lots (open at 6 p.m.) and senior centers. All vehicles must be removed from Blue Light Lots within 10 hours after the ban is lifted and from school lots within two hours.
The city of Bristol is implementing a parking ban from midnight Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday. The town of Bloomfield is also instituting a parking ban on midnight Saturday. That will remain in effect through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
In Norwich, police are reminding residents that parking is prohibited on the odd side of all city streets during winter snow storms, effective 6 p.m. Friday. Parking is also not allowed on either side of narrow streets during the ban.
Waterbury residents will be under a parking ban starting at 4 p.m. Friday. No parking is permitted in posed "snow zones" and on the odd number side of all city streets, officials said. The two downtown parking garages are available for parking at no cost through Sunday at 6 p.m.
East Hartford has an on-street parking ban running from 6 p.m. Friday and Vernon is imposing its parking ban on all public streets starting at 11 p.m. Friday. Both run until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Middletown declared a parking ban for 10 p.m. Friday. Parking alternatives are available at the Melilli Plaza Lot, the Kidcity Lot and Russell Library Lot on Broad Street, the Kings Avenue Lot and the Dingwall Drive Lot.
The town of Winchester also announced a town-wide parking ban effective at 9 p.m. Friday. Off-street parking is available at Batcheller School or Pearson School, but vehicles will need to be removed by 8 a.m. Sunday.
In the town of Plainfield, the parking ban will begin when one inch of snow has fallen and will remain in effect until the roadways are cleared.
Starting at 6 p.m. Friday, the city of Ansonia will have a parking ban in place until 6 p.m. Sunday. Parking is available until the end of the ban at Nolan Field, Ansonia Middle and High School, Main Streets Municipal Lots, Mead and Prendergast School and the former Ansonia Police Department on Elm Street.