PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

January 23, 2026

Contact:

Jennifer Rose

Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.

Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org

Mayor Pernerewski Leads Coordinated Citywide Response Ahead of Major Winter Storm and Extreme Cold

(WATERBURY, CT) Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. announced today that the City of Waterbury has activated its storm readiness and emergency response plans in advance of a major winter storm and prolonged period of extreme cold expected to impact the city beginning Sunday morning and continuing through Monday afternoon.

On Friday, January 23, 2026, Mayor Pernerewski convened a coordination meeting with key department heads and senior staff to review storm forecasts, operational readiness, staffing plans, and public safety measures. The meeting ensured that all city departments are aligned, prepared, and working in unity to respond efficiently and effectively to the impending storm and extreme cold conditions. Adequate supplies of sand, salt, diesel fuel, and gasoline are in place to support continuous operations throughout the storm.

As part of this response, Mayor Pernerewski has ordered the City’s Emergency Operations Center to open and be fully staffed for the duration of the storm to coordinate citywide operations, respond to reports, and ensure public safety. The Emergency Operations Center will open at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, and will be staffed by essential personnel. Residents may call 311 or (203)597-3444 to be connected to the Emergency Operations Center for storm-related concerns or non-emergency assistance.

 “Preparation, communication, and coordination are critical when facing severe weather,” said Mayor Pernerewski. “By bringing everyone to the table early, we are making sure the city is ready to respond, protect residents, and maintain essential services throughout this storm.”

Snow is expected to develop between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, with the heaviest snowfall occurring from midday through early evening. Snowfall rates may reach one to two inches per hour during this period, with storm total accumulations currently forecast between 14 and 20 inches in Waterbury. Some forecast models indicate the potential for locally higher totals, particularly in higher elevation areas. Snow will be dry and powdery due to extremely cold temperatures, with lighter snow lingering into Monday before tapering off by the afternoon. Wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph are possible, which may lead to blowing and drifting snow into Monday night.

Parking Ban

A citywide snow parking ban will be in effect beginning Sunday, January 25, 2026 and continuing until Monday, January 26 at 5:00 pm. In addition to all posted Snow Zones, there will be no parking on the odd-numbered side of all city streets for the duration of the ban. Residents are strongly encouraged to use driveways or city parking garages rather than parking on the street.

Vehicles parked in violation of the parking ban may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

City parking garages available for use, free of charge, include:

• Scovill Street Garage, 33 Scovill Street
• Buckingham Garage, 210 Bank Street

Residents are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads during the storm unless absolutely necessary.

All city events scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026, are canceled.

Refuse and Recycling Collection Schedule Changes

Due to the anticipated winter storm, the City of Waterbury Department of Public Works announces changes to the refuse and recycling collection schedule:

• No refuse or recycling collection on Monday, January 26, 2026
• Monday collections will occur on Tuesday, January 27, 2026
• Tuesday collections will occur on Wednesday, January 28, 2026
• Thursday and Friday collections remain on their regular schedule

The Mark Lane Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, and will reopen on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:00 a.m.

Questions regarding collection services may be directed to the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Refuse, at (203) 574-6857.

Extreme Cold Weather Protocol and Shelters

Following Governor Ned Lamont’s activation of Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, effective Sunday, January 25, 2026, through Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the City of Waterbury is coordinating with the State of Connecticut, United Way 211, and local service providers to ensure shelter access for vulnerable residents during this prolonged period of dangerous cold.

The following shelters will be open 24 hours a day during the protocol period:

• Salvation Army, 74 Central Avenue
• St. Vincent de Paul Mission Shelter, 114 Benedict Street

Residents in need of shelter or warming services are encouraged to call Connecticut 211 for assistance and referrals.

Additional City Services

The city’s Shovel Brigade, coordinated through the Police Activity League, will be activated following the storm to assist elderly and disabled residents living in single family homes with snow removal. Elderly or disabled residents who live in single family homes may call 311 or (203)597-3444 to request shoveling assistance.

Public schools will be plowed and sanded once all primary and secondary roads are cleared. City officials are continuing to monitor conditions and will announce any school cancellations or delays for Monday, January 26, 2026, as information becomes available.

City of Waterbury employees will be notified directly regarding any delayed openings or closures for non-essential personnel.

Pet Safety

Residents are reminded to take precautions to protect pets during this extreme cold and snowfall. Pets should be kept indoors whenever possible. If pets must go outside, exposure time should be limited and access to shelter, food, and unfrozen water must be provided.

Mayor Pernerewski added, “This storm combines significant snowfall with dangerously cold temperatures. Our crews are prepared, and our response is coordinated and disciplined. Public cooperation remains essential.”

Media interviews and media ride along requests should be directed to Jennifer Rose for coordination.

Additional updates will be provided as conditions warrant.