DOT: Slippery Conditions Leading to High Volume of Accidents [Updated]

Update as of 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 14:

A multi-vehicle accident has closed the right shoulder on I-84 eastbound in Farmington between Exits 39 and 39A. The accident was reported at 9:38 a.m., and the DOT estimated it would be clear in two hours or less.

Our original report follows:

The early morning commute is off to a rough start here in Connecticut as the state wakes up to several inches of snow mixed with a sheet of ice.

At least five tractor trailer accidents have been reported already. One, in Vernon, has shut down Route 31 at the Interstate 84 overpass when a tractor trailer reportedly crashed and landed on the road below, off the highway.

The DOT estimates it could take up to 12 hours to clear the incident in Vernon, which was reported at about 1:30 a.m.

There have also been tractor trailer accidents in Windsor, on I-91 south, and Westport, on I-95 north. Based on the DOT estimate, the Windsor scene should be clear by now. 

But the Westport accident, at 5:15 a.m., has closed the right and center lanes on 95 north between exits 18 and 19. There was no estimate when that scene would be cleared.

Tractor trailer crashes have also taken place this morning on Interstate 91 in New Haven and Cromwell, according to the DOT.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has put a temporary ban on tandem trailers from traveling on the state's highways. That remains in effect until 8 a.m.

Given the volume of accidents the DOT expects during storms of this nature, it will not be reporting every incident; only those that have major impacts on the state's roadways. You can follow the DOT on Twitter.

In a message noting the slippery conditions, the DOT writes:

"Inclement weather such as snow or ice during winter storms may cause numerous accidents to occur on state highways. Most accidents are not reported by the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Connecticut State Police due to the unusually high number of incidents. However, reports will be provided on incidents that cause the MAJOR HIGHWAYS to be closed for a long period of time."