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In the event of Snow
you will find detailed information here.

> Understanding winter storms alerts
​Winter Storm Watch:
Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, are possible within the next day or two. Prepare now!

Winter Storm Warning:
Severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin in your area. Stay indoors!

Blizzard Warning:
Snow and strong winds will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility), deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill. Seek
shelter immediately!

Winter Weather Advisory:
Winter weather conditions are expected and may be hazardous, especially for motorists

Frost/Freeze Warning:
Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees
> how to prepare for winter storms and blizzards
Before the Storm Strikes:
Winter storms and blizzards can cause loss of electricity, heat and telephone service and can trap you in your home for a few days. Have available:
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Make sure each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water resistant boots
  • Extra blankets
  • Battery powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
  • Canned food and nonelectric can opener
  • Bottled water
  • Extra medicine and baby items
  • First aid supplies
  • Healing fuel – fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm
  • Back up heating source, such as fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
  • Sand to improve traction
  • Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water
  • Make a Family Communication Plan. Your family may not be together when the storm strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another and how you will get back together.

During the Winter Storm:
  • Stay indoors
  • If you must go outside, several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves or mittens and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected get medical help immediately.
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms are detected get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks
  • Drive only if it absolutely necessary. If you must drive travel in the day, don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts
  • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your house cooler than normal. Temporarily shut off heat to less-used rooms.
  • When using alternative heat from a fire place, wood stove, or space heater, use fire safeguards and properly ventilate
  • If using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid buildup of toxic fumes. Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable objects. Refuel kerosene heaters outside.

If You Must Travel by Car in a Storm:
  • Have emergency supplies in the trunk. Include blankets/sleeping bags, flashlight with extra batteries, extra set of dry clothing and boots, shovel, sand, tire chains, jumper cables, high calorie non-perishable food, windshield scraper, first aid kit, compass, road maps, and a brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna.
  • Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing
  • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive

If You Do Get Stuck:
  • Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
  • Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see
  • Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling
  • Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up into the car.
  • Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen
  • As you sit, keep moving your arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm
  • Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air

​After the Storm Has Passed:
  • If you shovel be extremely careful. Pace yourself and rest frequently, don’t overexert. Shoveling causes many heart attacks, especially in very cold temperatures.
  • Look for any damage that may have occurred to your home and make sure water pipes are functioning.
  • Check on neighbors to see if they need help
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SOURCES: American Red Cross, American Public Health Association, FEMA’s, www.ready.gov
* ​Energy Assistance - Winter Heating Assistance
* Torrington Homeless Shelters & Food Kitchens

Torrington Homeless Shelters & Food Kitchens
  • Fish (860) 482-7300 at 332 South Main Street, Torrington
  • Operation Overflow Shelter 860-309-9685
  • Susan B Anthony 860-489-3798 at 179 Water Street, Torrington
* Winter Overnight Parking Ban


Winter emergency parking restrictions are in effect for Downtown Torrington. Please read the signs to avoid being ticketed!
* ​SNOW PLOWING
Snow Plowing Policy
CITY OF TORRINGTON
Street Department Plowing Policy

There are 360 lane miles of streets in Torrington. Snow removal can cost up to $4,000.00 per hour therefore it is important for the Street Department to use its resources wisely with cooperation from the residences to minimize the cost.

Plow Routes: The streets are plowed and sanded in order of priority. Main (collector) roads are addressed first with special attention to steep hills and difficult intersections. Side streets are done next, then dead end streets. Residences are reminded that a city wide Parking Ban runs from November 1st  to April 1st between the hours of Midnight to Seven A.M.

Blocked Driveways: All snow plows angle the same way - to the drivers right - and when going by they will push the snow in front of a driveway. The homeowner is responsible for access to his driveway. The only way to avoid extra shoveling is to wait until Street Department crews have done their final clean up on the street.

Sidewalks: Per Town ordinance, Torrington property owners are responsible for keeping all sidewalks along their property clear of snow and ice. Heavily used sidewalks near schools and along state highways are particularly important.

Mailbox Damage: The City Of Torrington repairs or replaces only mailboxes and/or posts that are actually struck by a plow blade. Usually a paint mark or truck tire tracks supply evidence of a mailbox strike. The City Of Torrington does not repair or replace mailboxes and/or posts that fall from the force of plowed snow. Mailboxes and supporting posts must be installed to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow pushed from the street onto the roadside.

Private Plowing: The City Of Torrington prohibits plow contractors from pushing snow from driveways or parking lots onto city streets. This practice is dangerous and impedes the city’s snow removal efforts. If there is no other alternative to pushing snow onto the street, the plow driver must plow off the windrow left across the street by re-plowing until the road is safe. This may not necessarily mean bare pavement but certainly it should be no worse than when the driver began work.

Residents who feel they have a legitimate complaint should call The Street Department at 489-2352.
* ​School Closings
For UPDATED Closings & Early Dismissals in Torrington, Connecticut... {click here}
* ​CITY PARKING
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A reminder to all motorists from the Torrington Police Department, effective November 1st, the overnight parking ban prohibits the parking of any vehicle on any street or City owned lots for more than one hour between the hours of midnight and seven a.m.  Those vehicles found in violation will be ticketed and may be removed as circumstances dictate. If you have any questions please contact: Torrington Police Traffic office located on 576 Main Street, Torrington CT 06790 (860) 489-2019
* Help our Police, EMS and Fire Departments
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In the event of an emergency, rescuers need access to your premises. Precious, life saving moments are lost when emergency personal have to remove snow to access fire hydrants, sidewalks and walkways on your premises. Please keep your front walkways and sidewalks clear.

If you have a fire hydrant on your property, please do your part in helping keep it clear in the event it needs to be used. Snow should be cleared from all sides of the hydrant (at least 3ft in all directions) and please provide a path from both the street and sidewalk to the hydrant.

Please consider removal of hydrant obstructions for your neighbors who may have medical conditions, disabilities, or those who are elderly that may be unable to do so themselves. This act of kindness will benefit the entire neighborhood.

Be a Good Neighbor -- with hundreds of hydrants in our city it is impossible to keep them all clear. Join or start an "Adopt a Fire Hydrant" program and do your part to keep our community safe.
* Keep Your Kids Safe From Frostbite
Keep Your Kids Safe From Frostbite
How many of you have been out on a cold day and seen kids that were not properly dressed for cold weather? How many of you have kids who insist they don’t feel the cold and they argue about wearing warm clothes or a winter coat? Across the U.S. we are having record breaking low temperatures. It is important that your kids understand the dangers of frostbite and how quickly exposed skin can be affected in severe cold weather. Check out these resources on kids and cold weather and what to do in the case of frostbite:
* ​Be safe ~ Be Prepared
​Disclaimer: The material provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as emergency, legal or medical advice.