The Freak October Snowstorm, A Decade Ago [PHOTOS]

HARTFORD-TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — Where were you 10 years ago today, on Oct. 29, 2011? If you lived in Hartford or Tolland counties, you most likely were holed up at home following a freak snowstorm which paralyzed much of Connecticut for various time periods, ranging from a day to nearly two weeks.

Variously referred to as "Snowtober," "Storm Alfred" and "Shocktober," the severity of the autumn snowstorm caught many people off guard. Accumulation records were broken in more than 20 East Coast cities, resulting in a rare "white Halloween." In fact, many communities discouraged or prohibited trick-or-treating due to safety issues, including downed power lines.

Of the six New England states, Connecticut ranked third in snowfall, with a high of 24 inches recorded in Farmington. Emergency shelters were set up in 41 Connecticut locations, including middle schools in Vernon and Enfield, and generator sales went through the roof.

Power outages affected 830,000 Connecticut customers, with more than 700,000 still out two days later and 150,000 still in the dark after a week. Power was not fully restored to all customers until Nov. 9, or 11 days after the storm.

Here is a gallery of photos taken immediately after the storm by Patch editors and associates in Hartford and Tolland counties.

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