Rain Melts Snow Across Connecticut, Travel Conditions Improving

Cleanup crews are busy across Connecticut after a messy wintry mix brought the first plowable snow of the season to some areas. Heavy rain followed, then an overnight freeze that left roads slick and hazardous for Wednesday’s commute.

First Significant Snowfall Hits Northern Connecticut

From the Connecticut River Valley to the hills along I-84, people woke up to a patchwork of slush, ice, and leftover snow. Rain wiped out much of Tuesday’s accumulation, but the sharp temperature drop overnight turned untreated surfaces into a thin sheet of ice.

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In towns like Enfield, Vernon, and Somers, residents found driveways and side streets way more treacherous than the main roads. Farther south in Hartford, New Britain, and Middletown, the storm brought mostly heavy rain and slick spots instead of significant snow.

Enfield Sees First “Plowable” Snow of the Season

Enfield got several inches of snow before everything switched over to rain. That early burst forced plow drivers into a race against the clock, trying to clear lots and driveways before the rain and freeze could turn everything into a solid, icy crust.

Snow removal contractor Garrett Pease, who manages several properties in Enfield, said this storm was a timing headache. With precipitation changing every hour, he aimed to push most of the snow while it was still manageable, but not so early that the rain would just undo the work.

Vernon and I-84: Better Highways, Slippery Side Roads

Along I-84 through Vernon and nearby towns like Manchester and East Hartford, folks saw almost bare pavement on the highways. Side streets and parking lots, though, stayed slushy and sometimes icy.

Plow trucks kept moving in Vernon, but the mix of snow, rain, and changing temps made storm response trickier than a simple all-snow event.

Salt Application Delayed to Outlast the Rain

Public works crews in Vernon, and in towns from Windsor Locks to Rocky Hill, held off on heavy salt while the rain kept falling. They didn’t want to waste salt that would just get washed away, leaving roads exposed when temps dropped.

This approach made sense for budgets and operations, but it left local roads, driveways, and sidewalks with slick, slushy patches for the evening and early-morning hours. Commuters heading into Hartford or down toward New Haven definitely needed extra time—and a bit more patience than usual.

Authorities Urge Caution on the Roads

Local officials, police, and road crews from Enfield to Bridgeport all repeated the same message: take it slow. Even as main roads improved, black ice and refreezing stayed a real threat on shaded stretches and untreated spots.

They reminded drivers that slush can hide ice underneath, and stopping distances jump in these conditions. Intersections, on-ramps, and bridges—especially on routes into Hartford, New Britain, and New Haven—were called out as trouble spots.

Safe Driving Tips in Mixed Winter Conditions

Officials and safety advocates urged drivers to adjust their habits to the weather, focusing on smooth, defensive driving. Some key reminders:

Reduce speed and leave extra following distance, especially where refreezing is likely.

Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering—those moves can send you sliding on slush and ice.

Clear all windows and lights before heading out so you can actually see (and be seen).

Use headlights in snow, rain, and early morning gloom so others spot you.

AAA Warns of Spike in Winter-Related Calls

As conditions bounced from snow to rain and then back to ice, AAA expected a surge in calls from stranded drivers across Connecticut. That goes for suburban Enfield and Vernon as well as bigger cities like Hartford, Stamford, and New Haven.

AAA spokesperson Tracy Noble urged drivers to plan ahead. She pointed out that this early-season mess is often a wake-up call—winter’s here, and a lot of folks just aren’t ready yet.

What to Pack in a Winter Emergency Kit

Noble says it’s smart to keep a well-stocked winter emergency kit in your car all season long. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Flashlight—plus extra batteries, because you never know how long you’ll need it.

Small shovel for digging your car out of snow or those annoying plow berms.

Warm clothing and blankets, or just a few extra layers you can throw on if you get stuck.

Traction aids like sand, kitty litter, or traction mats. Trust me, these can save you from a lot of frustration.

Ice scraper and snow brush for your windows. Visibility matters more than people think.

Phone charger—because being able to call for help is everything in an emergency.

Connecticut officials—from Enfield and Vernon to Hartford and New Haven—keep urging folks to stay alert, drive slow, and get ready for whatever the next storm dumps on us. If you haven’t prepped yet, now’s probably the time.

Here is the source article for this story: Rain washes away snow in parts of Connecticut as conditions improve

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