Nor’easter Forecast In Bridgewater: What To Expect

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The timing of a "major" nor'easter, which is expected to impact Bridgewater, has shifted to later in the day on Wednesday. The storm is predicted to produce plowable snow or heavy rain and packing 35 to 55-mph winds. (Updated forecast below)

The National Weather Service is now labeling the "major" system a "nor'easter" since it's expected to produce strong, sustained damaging winds and precipitation over a 24-hour period on Wednesday.

In preparation for the storm, Bridgewater Township is asking residents to remain home beginning at noon on Wednesday and only travel if it is absolutely necessary.

"Bridgewater DPW crews will begin salting the roads on Wednesday morning, and will begin plowing once enough snow has accumulated," the township stated.

Residents are also asked to remove vehicles, garbage cans, basketball/sports equipment, or any other objects from the street in front of their homes to avoid impacting plowing.

"Depending upon the amount of snow and how quickly it accumulates, it may take a significant amount of time for DPW to fully clear all Township roadways," according to the township. "The plowing routes are pre-planned months in advance and are optimized for efficiency. Plows will divert from their pre-planned routes for emergency situations only."

Residents with non-emergency plowing questions should contact OCR@BridgewaterNJ.gov or publicworks@BridgewaterNJ.gov.

As far as the school districts go, Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools announced Tuesday that Wednesday will be a fully remote day for all staff and students.

"No staff or students should be on campus tomorrow and we will follow the synchronous schedule for classes. Thursday's status will be determined later once we have a better understanding of the storm's impact," according to the school.

Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District already is scheduled for a remote learning day on Wednesday and Thursday's status will be determined based on the storm.

The storm will be fierce enough to knock down power lines and cause power outages and other damage, packing gale-force winds as strong as 35 to 55 mph across the state between 7 a.m. on Wednesday and 7 a.m. on Thursday.

Here are additional expected snow totals:

State officials said they have more than 400 pieces of road equipment available to make the roads safe, even though fewer people are taking to the roads because of the coronavirus outbreak.

AccuWeather is saying the system could be the "most significant winter storm in several years," one that could potentially become highly impactful and disruptive as the first round of coronavirus vaccines continue to be shipped around the country.

AccuWeather is warning of major disruptions to travel and even travel shutdowns, as well as shipping delays, school closings and power outages from this "blockbuster storm," – even though a number of New Jersey school districts have said they'll opt to go remote instead of closing.

Here is the forecast:

• Wednesday: Snow, mainly after 3 p.m. High near 33. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
• Wedneday Night: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 26. Blustery, with a northeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches possible.
• Thursday: Snow likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
• Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

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