Winter Storm Jonas dropped almost two feet of snow on parts of Greenwich in 24 hours over the past weekend. Now that the storm has passed, Greenwich officials say it’s time to cleanup.
“Road widths are constricted, sidewalks are constricted, there are slick conditions in numerous locations,” said Lt. Kraig Gray.
Lt. Kraig Gray of the Greenwich Police Department says there were four motor vehicle accidents during the storm, including one bus accident. Gray says a CT Transit bus couldn’t make it up the hill on Sound View Drive.
“The Transit bus slid backwards down the hill, took out a telephone pole. It took out power to about 40 or 50 residences,” said Assistant Chief Robert Kick of the Fire Department.
Officials say one injured passenger was taken to Stamford Hospital with non life threatening injuries. There was also a fallen tree on North Street that knocked out power to the surrounding area, according to Gray. He says most people stayed off the roads during the storm, allowing plows and emergency crews to get to work.
“Fortunately, this hit on the weekend so it wasn’t during he regular work week. Schools were not in session There was a natural less amount of people that had to be someplace,” said Gray.
And just because Jonas has passed doesn’t mean it’s all over in Greenwich. Residents now are tasked with shoveling. Gray says you have 24 hours after the last snow has fallen to get your sidewalks cleared.
“If the roadway is restricted in anyway because of the snow, then you have a pedestrian in the snow, and drivers driving, it’s a recipe for disaster,” said Gray.
“We encourage all home owners and business owners- if you have a fire hydrant near your property, take the time and shovel it out. It will really help us out,” said Kick.
Assistant Chief Robert Kick of the Greenwich Fire Department also wants to make sure residents clear out a path to the front and back entrances of their houses.
“In the event there is a fire or rescue scenario, firefighters need to be able to get around your home. I don’t shovel all the way around my house, but I do shovel the back walk and the front walk clear so there is a good, clear path to all the exits.
Officials also warn of the possibility of sun glare and black ice due to melting and refreezing snow. The Department of Public Works will continue to remove snow, so be on the look out for “no parking” signs.
