New London Parking Ban, Shelter Info Released Ahead Of Snowstorm

NEW LONDON, CT — In preparation for this weekend's storm, the city of New London has implemented a street parking ban and is reminding residents to shovel their sidewalks.

Heavy snow with high winds and frigid temperatures is forecast for all day Saturday into the night, the mayor's office said in a news release. Meteorologists are expecting 6-12 inches of snow to fall on New London County.

A complete downtown parking ban and other winter parking restrictions will be in place starting at midnight Friday into Saturday, the mayor's office said. They will remain in effect until the snow plows have finished clearing the streets.

During the parking ban, downtown residents and visitors can park in the Winter Street Parking Garage for free starting Friday morning, and people will have 24 hours to retrieve their vehicles from the garage after the storm.

Residents of Michael and Anthony Roads can park in Bates Wood during the storm, and will have 24 hours to remove their vehicles after it finishes, the mayor's office said.

Residents of streets where parking is permitted on only one side should follow posted regulations, and on streets where parking is permitted on both sides, residents should park on the odd side only, officials said. Parking on narrow streets is not allowed.

Improper parking on various city streets has slowed emergency response times and caused inadequate snow clearing, so police will be "vigilant" in issuing tickets and towing vehicles, officials said.

Areas that have caused issues in the past are:

• Dead end of Margaret Street
• Perpendicular dead end of Davis Farm Road
• Michael and Anthony Roads
• Top of Addison Street
• Near construction on George Town Road
• Dead end of Stuart Avenue
• Intersection of West and Connecticut Avenue
• Norwood Avene circle
• Mountain Avenue at Hope Street
• Nob Hill Road at the turn-around
• Belden Street
• Ledyard Street
• Top of the hill on Eastern Avenue

Additionally, the city is asking that sidewalks be cleared in a "reasonable time frame" after the storm, as un-shoveled sidewalks impair pedestrian traffic — typically affecting children, the elderly, and disabled people.

Anyone in need of shelter should go to the United Methodist Church at 130 Broad St. or the New London Public Library (63 Huntington St.) during business hours.

The Homeless Hospitality Center is at capacity, the mayor's office said.

Residents of coastal areas should pay attention to flood warnings, officials said. No one should run a generator in their home or garage, and residents are urged to avoid downed wires.