Snow Falls As City Prepares For Storm

Let it be known: At about 8:45 a.m., the first snowflakes of Blizzard 2013 began to fall in the capital city.

By now, you probably heard that city schools are closed today. The parks are closed. Hartford Public Library also announced that its locations will be closed today and Saturday, reopening on Sunday with its regular hours.

And not to forget, in the urgent words of Mayor Pedro Segarra’s office, “ALL PARKING ON CITY STREETS IS BANNED.”

UPDATE: No, really. The city is serious. David Owens reports that “police and a more than two dozen tow trucks will begin enforcing a parking ban in Hartford at 11 a.m.”

At that time, Segarra will hold a press briefing at the city’s Emergency Operations Center in the new public safety complex on High Street. The center will open in a few minutes as city officials monitor the storm. We’ll bring you updates as they come in.

UPDATE: Segarra has declared a state of emergency in Hartford. Jenna Carlesso reports that “public works crews have begun spreading brine — a salt and water solution — across hills, bridges and overpasses, the mayor said.  The city has 22 plows available and officials have contacted outside companies in case more are needed.”

In addition, there are three emergency shelters open and stocked with sleeping cots, food and water: the Pope Park Recreation Center at 30 Pope Park Drive, the Parker Memorial Community Center on Main Street and the South End Wellness Senior Center, 830 Maple Ave.

Also, it’s no longer a good time to be on the roads. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has issued a travel ban for the state’s major highways, but aside from that, streets are getting coated with slush. Stay inside if you can.