Heavy snow hits Connecticut

(WTNH) -- Roads were slick across Connecticut this morning as a winter storm dropped a few inches of snow across the state. Many school districts closed for the day.

Most of the state was expected to receive two to four inches of snow, with isolated areas receiving five inches.

"By nine o'clock most of it should be gone," Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Gil Simmons said.

Schools either canceled or delayed their opening so roads could be cleared off.

Simmons said the heaviest accumulation has already happened, and the snow is beginning to taper off in Western Connecticut.

Department of Transportation plow trucks were out clearing major highways, but roads were slick and drivers are urged to take it slow and easy on the road.

State Police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance urged drivers to "drop that speed down" and leave extra space between your car and the car in front of you on the road.

In one incident along I-95, a pickup and camper jackknifed at the entrance to I-95 from the Fairfield rest area.

In Waterbury, a truck could not make it up up a hill at the ramp from Route 8 northbound to I-84 eastbound so the exit was closed until the truck could be removed.

"They'll be plowing down the roads as best they can before rush hour," John Carey of the DOT told News 8 during an interview just before 6:00 a.m.. "We'll apply our salt down there and once we get the traffic working it in, you know, should get pretty much wet roads because the temperatures aren't really extremely cold this morning."

Bradley International Airport said via Twitter , "Snow plows, brooms and blowers are on the Runway 6 working hard to make your flight arrive and depart safely. Zero delays at this hour."

The only area of the state not greatly impacted by the storm was extreme southeastern Connecticut, which was expected to get only a dusting or slush.

Many residents knew winter would be back.

"I'd rather be in Florida, but you know, that's New England," said Slawomir Welka, of Middletown

"So, how do you feel about missing school today," asked News 8's Jeff Valin.  

"Happy," replied Kaitlyn Byrum, of Killingworth.

When it came to commuting this morning, good things came to those who waited.

"They're good," said Zac Rogowski, of Middletown. "Since six o'clock this morning, they're not bad at all."

"The roads were like, internal roads were pretty bad, but the main roads are really good," said Atul Panchwadkar, of Middletown.

Of course, the kids don't care whether mom can get the car up the driveway, as long as they can go down the driveway.

"I want the snow day with the kids," said Cheryl Byrum, of Killingworth. "I don't want to go to work."

"You're not staying in to do homework," asked Valin.

"No, not at all," said Cody Byrum.

Even better when, for some, white is the new green.

"Lovin' it, the more snow, the more money I make," said Rogowski.

A silver lining on the grayest of January days.