State offices to close early Wednesday because of snow

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy ordered all state offices closed at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday because of a winter storm that is expected to disrupt one of the year’s heaviest days for travel — the day before Thanksgiving.

“After speaking with emergency management officials and assessing the current forecast, I have decided to close state office buildings at 12:30 tomorrow afternoon,” Malloy said Tuesday. “The more we can get cars off the road before this storm’s real impact is felt, the better our chances are for dealing with whatever Mother Nature throws our way.”

The National Weather Service says rain is expected to begin around dawn Wednesday then turn to snow by midday, becoming heavy at at times Wednesday afternoon and night before tapering off Thursday morning.

Accumulations are expected to range from eight to 10 inches through much of Connecticut, with lesser amounts along the shore. Visibility is expected to drop to a quarter mile or less with gusty winds reaching 35 miles per hour.

James Redeker, the transportation commissioner, urged travelers to avoid driving Wednesday afternoon and evening. He said roads should be passable by Thursday morning.