Connecticut Gov. Lifts Statewide Travel Ban As Snow Storm Slams State

CONNECTICUT (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Gov. Dannel Malloy has lifted a statewide travel ban in Connecticut that was put in effect ahead of a powerful snow storm that swept the state Tuesday.

The travel ban took effect at 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. Malloy said the ban was no longer in place by of 5:30 p.m.

Still, Malloy said even though roads were back open, conditions would likely be treacherous.

"We urge people to stay off the roads unless it's essential travel," Malloy said.

Malloy also urged people to be particularly cautious because temperatures are dropping rapidly and black ice could be seen.

Malloy said there were 38 accidents during the road travel ban. A nine-car pileup closed northbound I-95 at Exit 19, close to Fairfield early Tuesday morning.

The National Weather Service said there was a foot of snow in Litchfield and North Granby. Only 3 inches of snow are reported in coastal areas, where snow changed to sleet and freezing rain.

Malloy urged people stay home and says it's a "good day to make brownies --- and or read a book."

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Meanwhile, more than 1,700 power outages were reported across Connecticut as a storm with heavy snow and strong winds moves through the region. Some towns already have a foot of snow.

Eversource said 1,720 customers were without power around noon Tuesday, while United Illuminating reported fewer than 20 outages.

State troopers and the National Guard are ready to help stranded motorists, and utility companies are prepared to fix power outages.

All schools were closed. All flights at Bradley International Airport north of Hartford were canceled. Bus and train services were suspended -- though limited Metro-North Railroad service was set to resume between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Non-essential state government employees were told to stay home.

Eleven shelters across the state were open.

Amtrak operated a modified schedule in the Northeast region on Tuesday.

In Milford, the Department of Public Works had about 50 people on the job through Tuesday night, working 16-hour shifts to clear the roads.

The National Weather Service said the dividing line between snow and a wintry mix from a nor'easter pushing through the southern New Jersey-Pennsylvania region moved farther inland, cutting down the anticipated snow accumulation, but increasing the chance of icing.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)