Nor’easter Forecast In Clark-Garwood: What To Expect

CLARK/GARWOOD, NJ — The timing of a "major" nor'easter, which is expected to impact Clark and Garwood, 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 Garwood, Public Information Officer Andrew Wiecek said, "As you can imagine, the Borough is definitely getting prepared for this major snow event. Our DPW is certainly watching the weather forecasts and determining the proper actions with regards to salting and plowing."

The Garwood Police Department also sent out an alert on Monday discussing some of the ways the borough is preparing for the storm:

• Local Ordinance 21-6A reads "Whenever snow has fallen and there is an accumulation of three inches or more of snow on any street or highway, no vehicle shall be parked on any street or highway, or portion thereof in the Borough of Garwood. This prohibition shall remain in effect until and after the snow has ceased and the street has been plowed after the cessation of the snowfall."
• In addition to the Russo Lot (Formerly known as the Casale Lot), the Borough has come to an agreement with the property owner of the Westwood Lot at the corner of North Avenue and Maple St for temporary emergency parking during snow emergencies. Anyone without available off-street parking can contact the Garwood Police Department for availability in either lot.
• Vehicles must be checked in at Police Headquarters prior to parking and must be removed within 12 hours of the end of the snowfall.

Clark Schools' status will be determined based on the weather. Superintendent Edward Grande laid out the three possible scenarios for Clark students:

• Full snow days: As usual with no remote learning
• Early dismissal days: All students full remote during the a.m. session
• Delayed opening days: All students full remote during the p.m. session

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 likely, mainly after 3 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
• Wednesday Night: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 28. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Blustery, with a northeast wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 9 to 13 inches possible.
• Thursday: A 50 percent chance of snow before noon. Partly sunny, with a steady temperature around 30. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Blustery, with a north wind 19 to 24 mph decreasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon.
• Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. North wind 5 to 8 mph.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.