Snow Coming, Darien Schools Close Early

Darien Public Schools are closing early today as a snowstorm with blustery winds and plenty of the white stuff nears the area.

Dress appropriately for windy, cold weather, the National Weather Service advises, because frostbite is a danger in this weather.

As of 7:56 a.m., the weather service predicts as much as 2 to 4 inches during the day and another 4 to 8 inches at night in Darien. and the National Weather Service has issued a "Winter Storm Warning."

The Home page of Darien Public Schools has this statement across the top: "Due to the impending weather, all Darien Public Schools have early dismissal for Tuesday, Jan. 21."

The weather service's "Winter Storm Warning" states: "Snowfall will begin late Tuesday morning and will continue through tonight, tapering off early Wednesday morning. The heeaviest snowfall will occur late this afternoon into tonight."

"Impacts: Falling, blowing and drifting snow will cause hazardous travel and walking conditions across the area, possibly impacting the late afternoon and evening commute. Prolonged exposure to frigid cold and low wind chills could cause frostbite. Dress appropriately."

The warning is for an area including central and southern Connecticut, the lower Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey.

Here's the Darien-specific weather forecast from the weather service as of 7:56 a.m.:

• Tuesday Snow likely, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 22. North wind 9 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
• Tuesday night Snow with widespread blowing snow before 3 a.m., then widespread blowing snow and a chance of snow after 3 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 8. Wind chill values as low as -8. Blustery, with a north wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.
• Wednesday A slight chance of snow before 9am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -10. Northwest wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5. Wind chill values as low as -7. Northwest wind 7 to 14 mph.
• Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 23. West wind 7 to 11 mph.
• Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 7.
• Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 21.