Connecticut Governor Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Major Winter Storm
Governor Ned Lamont has declared a state of emergency in Connecticut in anticipation of a major winter storm expected to affect the state this weekend.
Commercial Vehicle Travel Ban Imposed
An order has been signed to prohibit commercial vehicles from all limited access highways in Connecticut. This prohibition specifically includes:
- Permitted vehicles
- Trucks
- RVs
- Tractor trailers
- Tankers
- Vehicles with trailers
This prohibition is effective from 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, and will remain in effect until further notice. The Governor's Office will issue a separate announcement when the travel ban for commercial vehicles is lifted.
Governor Urges Residents to Stay Indoors
Governor Lamont advised that the storm is expected to significantly impair safe driving conditions. He stated that roads will be dangerous.
Governor Lamont urged residents to make plans to remain at a specific location from Sunday morning through at least Monday morning, covering the duration of the storm.
Exemptions to the Ban
Exemptions from the commercial vehicle travel ban include specific emergency response and recovery vehicles. These are:
- Public safety vehicles
- Utility vehicles
- Vehicles transporting essential personnel or supplies
Understanding the Declaration
Limited access highways are defined as those designed for high traffic volumes with controlled access points. The declaration of a state of emergency grants the governor authority to implement various actions to protect public safety during emergencies, including vehicular restrictions on state roads.