By Michael Letendre   

A batch of wintery weather surprised drivers in Bristol and surrounding towns on Wednesday morning, causing slick conditions and forcing school delays and cancellations around the state. 

Driving became treacherous within the city limits a little after 6 a.m. as single and multi-car accidents were quickly called in by stranded motorists. 

A portion of Broad Street was closed around 6:30 a.m. as fender-benders forced the shutdown near Todd Street. 

The storm turned from snow to freezing rain which coated the roads and highways as rush hour was about to get underway. 

Bristol Police Wednesday reported 84 motor vehicle accidents, 6 with injuries. 27 vehicles needed to be towed and 11 motor vehicles were broken down and needed assistance.

Simsbury, West Hartford, Cromwell, Bridgeport, Hartford, and all points in between saw freezing drizzle, snow, and plain old rain turn roads and highways into parking lots as accidents began to pile up statewide.  

Schools in Bristol were originally delayed for two hours but eventually closed as ice made sidewalks and other surfaces too dangerous to traverse. 

The National Weather Service in Boston reports the chance of possible icy spots around the state tonight.

Caution is recommended when going out this evening.

We’re only getting started as there is a good chance for a significant snow event Thursday night into Friday morning. 

As of now, there’s a 70-percent chance of snow and early predictions are calling between 2-4 inches of the white stuff before things are said and done.

Scholastic sports schedule nixed again 

Wrestling was finally going to get back on track after a brief pause due to COVID but the weather forced several postponements on Wednesday. 

Bristol Central was poised to host Plainville in a CCC South battle tonight but the meet has been postponed while Eastern’s showdown against Enfield was pushed to Thursday at 6 p.m. in the small gymnasium at BE.