Schools close, plows out for blast of wintry weather

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Schools closed early and snow plows were out in force for the first blast of winter weather in Connecticut this season.

A winter storm warning was in effect for most of Connecticut through Friday morning.

Forecasters were predicting up to 7 inches of snow in parts of the state.

The storm also was expected to include sleet, freezing rain and rain.

The University of Connecticut canceled all classes starting at 3:30 p.m. at every campus except for UConn Health in Farmington after 3:30 p.m. Quinnipiac University stopped classes after 4 p.m.

The state Department of Transportation sent out its fleet of 634 plows and trucks to put down de-icing chemicals and clear 10,000 lane miles of state roads.