Connecticut Winter Storm Saturday Night: How Much Snow to Expect

Connecticut’s bracing for a quick but intense shot of winter, as Governor Ned Lamont activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol starting Sunday at noon through Monday at noon.

A fast-moving storm will dump accumulating snow late Saturday into Sunday morning. After that, temperatures and windchills will drop sharply—expect readings near or even below zero statewide.

Find Your Ideal Getaway in Connecticut
Explore top-rated stays with no booking fees and instant confirmation. Your dream trip starts here!
Start Exploring Now

Arctic Air Triggers Statewide Severe Cold Weather Protocol

The governor’s move aims to protect vulnerable people, especially those without housing, from the dangerous cold.

Cities and towns from Bridgeport and New Haven by the shore to Hartford, Waterbury, and Danbury inland are working with state agencies to open warming centers and shelters.

State officials and local partners—including 2-1-1, emergency management, and nonprofits—are coordinating to help anyone find a warm spot.

With windchills expected to dip below zero in some areas, even a quick walk outside could risk hypothermia or frostbite. That’s not something to take lightly.

What the Severe Cold Weather Protocol Means for Residents

During this cold snap, check on your neighbors, especially older folks or anyone with health issues. If you see someone in distress, don’t hesitate to call 2-1-1 for info on warming centers and emergency housing in places from Stamford to Norwich.

Key protective steps include:

Limit time outdoors and wear layers—don’t forget hats, gloves, and scarves.

Bring pets inside, and make sure livestock have shelter from the wind.

Use space heaters safely. Never use your oven or grill to heat your house.

Watch for warning signs of hypothermia—confusion, shivering, slurred speech.

Snowstorm to Hit Overnight, Heaviest Near the Shoreline

Before the deep freeze, a quick-moving winter storm will slide along a cold front, hitting Connecticut late Saturday night into Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service has a winter weather advisory up for southern Connecticut, including coastal parts of Fairfield County and New London County, where the most snow is likely.

Forecasters say a low-pressure system will move to our south, spreading light to moderate snow overnight. The storm won’t last long, but the timing and cold could make for slick, hazardous travel early Sunday.

How Much Snow to Expect Across the State

Snow totals will depend on where you are. Towns along and south of I-95 will probably see more accumulation than spots near the Massachusetts border.

Expected snowfall ranges:

Shoreline (Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, New London counties): About 2 to 4 inches. That includes Stamford, Norwalk, New Haven, West Haven, Old Saybrook, New London, and Groton.

Northern counties (Litchfield, Hartford, Tolland): Around 1 to 2 inches for places like Torrington, Hartford, Manchester, and Vernon.

Western Connecticut: In Danbury and Waterbury, expect 1 to 3 inches, depending on when rain flips to snow.

Timeline: From Saturday Rain to Sunday Morning Snow

Saturday will actually feel pretty mild for January, with temps climbing into the 30s and even a bit of sun early on.

Clouds move in during the afternoon as the storm approaches from the west.

As the cold front comes through, rain will switch to snow from southwest to northeast. Conditions will change through the evening and overnight.

Hour-by-Hour Breakdown for Connecticut

Saturday Afternoon (around 4 p.m.):

Rain starts up first in Fairfield County, hitting Stamford, Bridgeport, and Norwalk.

Saturday Evening (around 7 p.m.):

Rain turns to snow in southwestern Connecticut, spreading east toward New Haven and north toward Waterbury.

Late Saturday Night to Early Sunday (after midnight to 8 a.m.):

Northern areas like Hartford, Torrington, and towns in Tolland County get snow after midnight.

Most steady snow should wrap up by around 8 a.m. Sunday, except maybe in Litchfield County, where light snow showers could hang on into the afternoon.

Travel Impacts:

Roads will get slick, especially before dawn Sunday.

The worst driving conditions are expected early Sunday morning, right when folks in New Britain, Meriden, and Middletown might be heading out.

Dangerous Cold to Follow the Storm

Once the snow ends, the real punch arrives: arctic air dropping into Connecticut Sunday and Sunday night.

Temperatures will fall fast through the day, and the wind will make it feel even colder—honestly, it’s going to be brutal.

Overnight lows Sunday will range from around minus 1 in the coldest inland spots to the low teens near the shoreline, including about 13 degrees in New London.

Factor in the wind, and it’ll feel even worse. No wonder the governor put those protective measures in place.

Part of a Larger Winter Weather Pattern

This system is just one part of a bigger winter weather pattern gripping the northern Plains, Midwest, and Northeast. Heavy snow warnings stretch across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as the storm moves east and gathers strength.

If you live in Connecticut—from Stamford to Hartford, or from New Haven to Norwich—get ready. A fast burst of snow is coming, followed by a sharp drop in temperature.

Temperatures will plunge for about 24 hours, bringing potentially dangerous cold. It’s a good idea to check the forecast, take some precautions, and maybe check in on neighbors who might need a hand.

Here is the source article for this story: Winter storm to hit Connecticut Saturday night. Here’s how much snow to expect

Discover Your Perfect Stay in Connecticut
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now