Bridgeport, Connecticut – As Connecticut heads into the official start of winter, residents in Bridgeport and across the state are being urged to prepare for sustained cold as the winter solstice arrives Sunday, signaling longer nights and a colder season ahead for southern New England.
According to the National Weather Service and Connecticut emergency management officials, repeated below-freezing nights raise the risk of frozen pipes, heating issues, and home damage, particularly in older housing common throughout Bridgeport. City officials say homes with unheated basements, garages, or plumbing along exterior walls face the greatest risk as cold air settles in.
Across Connecticut, residents are advised to insulate exposed pipes, seal drafts around doors and vents, and keep thermostats set consistently, even during overnight hours. In Bridgeport, public safety agencies recommend opening cabinet doors beneath sinks to allow warm air to circulate and letting faucets drip slightly during the coldest periods to prevent pressure buildup in pipes.
State fire officials continue to warn against using open flames or space heaters to thaw frozen plumbing, citing serious fire hazards. As Bridgeport and the rest of Connecticut move deeper into winter following Sunday’s solstice, additional cold-weather advisories may be issued as prolonged winter conditions take hold statewide.
