Union Park Pond Manchester CT during Winter Storm Diana.

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

What had been a mild winter for most of Connecticut has given way to the roar of two major snowstorms just days apart. On February 9, Winter Storm Chris, which was upgraded to blizzard status, blanketed the state with more than a foot of snow.

In central Connecticut, in the suburbs known as Greater Hartford, an old-fashioned yard stick measure showed a 12 and half inch accumulation from Chris; other parts of the state saw upwards of 18 inches.

By Sunday, February 12, a new snowstorm resulted in a nod to the powerful University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball team. Winter Storm Diana was named for UConn Women’s Basketball legend Diana Taurasi and added several more inches.

(By the way, the UConn women are not only multiple national title holders but are on a 99 game win streak – Congrats UConn!)

Hilltop view of Hale Road  around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday 2/12/2017.

Let it be known that navigating the roads during Diana did not keep hardy New Englanders from venturing out. Some folks had begun clearing sidewalks and driveways, meanwhile others simply wanted to enjoy the scenic fresh snowfalls.

More snow is headed this way later in the week. Stay tuned …

Hockanum River had been running low due to below normal rainfall this past spring and summer.

Brown’s Flowers on Main Street.

Clearing the snow.

Blizzard Chris had already left more than a foot of snow.

Navigating local roads.

Navigating driveways.