Snow and winds that gusted up to 30 mph made for poor visibility and treacherous driving conditions throughout southeastern Connecticut on Saturday.

Early in the day, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning that was to remain in effect until midnight, by which time snow accumulations were expected to range from six to 12 inches.

Sunday’s forecast called for mostly sunny skies, however, with temperatures reaching a high near 25 degrees. There was a 20 percent chance of snow showers after 10 a.m. and areas of blowing snow after 4 p.m. Sunday night was to be clear, with a low temperature around 8 degrees and wind chill values between minus-5 degrees and zero.

Monday was to be sunny, with a high temperature near 28 degrees.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy released a statement late Saturday afternoon, noting that the storm, which blanketed the entire state, hit eastern Connecticut especially hard. He said the Department of Transportation had deployed 821 plow trucks throughout the state.

"Visibility and road conditions vary across regions and I strongly encourage everyone to stay safe and to use good judgement," he said. "Residents who live in areas most impacted by the storm are advised to remain off the roads, if possible. If travel is necessary, motorists are urged to exercise caution, to build in extra travel time, and to practice safe winter driving skills — such as slowing down, increasing following distance, driving in already traveled lanes, keeping headlights on, and avoiding distractions in your vehicle."

Malloy said the state has three tow/plow trucks capable of clearing two travel lanes in a single pass. The trucks are based in the New Haven area, primarily in the Interstate 95/"Q" Bridge corridor.

"Motorists are urged to stay clear of snowplows while on the road and are cautioned against trying to pass a snowplow when it is in operation," the governor said. 

By late Saturday afternoon, the state Department of Transportation reported that four inches of snow had fallen in Norwich, while 4.5 inches was on the ground in Groton.

At Groton-New London Airport, the temperature at 4 p.m. was 21 degrees, with a wind-chill factor of 6 degrees. Visibility was three-quarters of a mile.

State police at Troop E in Montville reported a number of spinouts on roads and highways during the day, none of which involved injuries.

In Waterford, a vehicle struck a utility pole, temporarily disrupting power in the Bloomingdale Road area, local police said. No one was hurt.

Officials in East Lyme, New London and Norwich announced that parking bans were in effect.

In East Lyme, parking was banned on all public streets and highways from 4 p.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. Sunday to facilitate snow and ice removal. Overnight parking was allowed in all town parking lots.

The City of New London announced that a parking ban, effective at 4 p.m. Saturday, would remain in effect until 7 a.m. Sunday so plows could conclude snow-removal operations. While the ban was in effect, no parking was to be allowed on any streets in the downtown area. Residents and visitors were allowed to park for free in the Water Street Parking Garage between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday.

No parking was to be allowed on narrow streets. Where parking was permitted on only one side of the street, motorists were to follow posted regulations. Where parking was normally permitted on both sides of the street, motorists were to park only on the even-numbered side.

New London police said they would ticket and tow all vehicles in violation of the parking ban.

The Norwich Police Department reminded residents, visitors and motorists that city traffic regulations prohibit parking on the odd-numbered side of all city streets during snowstorms and subsequent snow-removal operations.

In addition, parking was banned on either side of the following narrow streets: Old Cemetery Lane; North Cliff Street; Shetucket Avenue; Terrace Avenue; Fourth Street, from Prospect Street to Gilmour Street; Fifth Street, from Prospect Street to Page Street; Lake Street; Pond Street; Freeman Avenue; Boswell Avenue, from Lake Street to Arnold Street; Sunnyside Avenue (Laurel Hill section); Fairmont Street, from No. 16 to School Street; Carter Avenue; Fountain Street, from No. 16 to School Street; Summer Street; Center Street; and Quarry Street.

Vehicles found in violation of the parking ban may be towed at the owner’s expense. In such cases, vehicle owners are subject to a $25 fine, as well as towing expenses.

Property owners and occupants are required to remove or sand all snow, sleet, or ice from the sidewalks abutting their property within 12 hours of a storm or within six hours after sunrise in the case of an overnight storm.

b.hallenbeck@theday.com