[2 p.m. Update] Salina Surveys Damage; Roads Closed; Shelter Open

2 p.m. update

Mayor Adam Salina has been out and about since early this morning, as have the town crews. 

The emergency shelter at McGee School is open and will remain open.

"There are a few people there but Town Manager Denise McNair thinks that more will go there this evening," Salina said. "She thinks that after being home without any power for a whole day they will go there for some heat and to warm up and I think she's probably right."

Salina said driving around town is difficult.

"There are a lot of roads that are closed so you have to maneuver around them," Salina said. "There are some parts of the town that look perfectly fine but there are other parts where it looks like a bomb went off. It looks like if you don't have power by now it will be t least a couple days before you get it back."

As for school tomorrow, the jury is still out.

"I know McGee and Willard have power and I think Hubbard has power as well but I don't think Griswold or the high school have power at this point," Salina said. "I'm waiting to hear from (Superintendent of Schools) Dave Erwin because it is his decision along with some input from the town. It's a tough call because McGee missed the day early in the year, do we want to let those students go and make up that day? Do we want to open just the schools that are open or do we close all the schools. It's tough but we will make the decision relatively soon because I don't want it to be 8 or 9 p.m. tonight when we are making this decision. I want to get the word out as soon as we know." 

Berlin crews are out either closing roads or working to clear them so they can be opened again. 

1:22 p.m. update:

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has asked President Obama for an emergency declaration to help with cleanup for the state. If granted, the state would be eligible for direct federal assistance as well as reimbursement for 75% of certain emergency protective measures.

The governor also lifted the travel ban for the Wilbur Cross/Merritt Parkways, but advised residents to stay off the roads if possible to let DOT crews clear impacted areas.

11 a.m. Original Story

Well, how's that for a fall surprise?

As of early afternoon, residents were beginning to come out of their homes and assess what surely is the strangest — and is definitely the largest — early snowfall in the town's history.

Most people in town — 70 percent of CL&P customers (6,699 in all) — don't have power. And Gov. Malloy said that situation could last for a "prolonged" period.

I'll be walking around and taking pictures, so check back here for updates throughout the day. If you have power, that is. Also, share your Fall Snowstorm '11 pics and videos with us by clicking on the "Submit Your Photos & Videos" button below!