If Cranford Gets Snow, Police May Tow; See List Of 36 Roads

CRANFORD, NJ — The Cranford police sent out a Nixle alert on Monday advising residents about how to prepare for an upcoming snowstorm Wednesday, and also listing more than 30 streets where cars may be towed before a storm if they aren't moved.

Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday that the Wednesday night storm could be a "whopper" and one of the worst in recent history. The state extended the winter storm watch to 17 of 21 counties.

The alert Monday said:

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"The Township of Cranford, Police Department and Office of Emergency Management are currently monitoring a significant winter storm for Cranford, expected from Late Wednesday Afternoon through Thursday Morning.

FORECAST: Heavy Snow with accumulations of 12 inches and potentially more. Wind speeds will be increasing to 20-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph possible. The storm is expected to begin late Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday morning. The actual storm track will have a tremendous effect on the amount of snow accumulations and the amount of rain which mixes in.

While the track and severity of the storm may change over the next few days, please see the below listed announcements and reminders that will aid the township in managing our response to the storm.

SNOW REMOVAL: Residents should also ensure that they do not shovel or snow blow their snow back into the roadway after it has been plowed as this creates a hazardous condition. Also, anyone with a fire hydrant near their property is asked to keep the hydrant clear of snow in the event of an emergency.

REMOVAL OF OBJECTS FROM ROADWAY: Aside from vehicles, moveable basketball hoops, garbage cans, and leaf piles (if not scheduled for pickup by the Department of Public Works) should all be removed from the roadway in advance of this storm. Leaf piles can be placed on the curb line between the sidewalk and street in order to keep them out of the roadway and the storm drainage systems.

• Prepare ahead of time so you don’t have to go out during the storm event.
• Remove vehicles from streets whenever possible to allow for snow removal.
• Make sure your home smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working before the storm!
• Make sure you have rock salt or ice melt, snow shovels, and adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• ring pets inside during winter weather. If you are cold, your pet is cold.
• Stay indoors during the storm. If you must go out, walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.
• Take a few minutes to clear out fire hydrants near your home
• Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
• Know the signs of Frostbite: Occurs when the skin and body tissue just beneath it freezes. Loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face, and the tip of the nose.
• If you must drive: Slow down! Even if roads just look wet, they could be very slick; travel in the daylight whenever possible; clear snow and ice completely from your vehicle before traveling; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, or space heaters.
• If using space heaters, plug only one directly into a wall outlet (never use extension cords or power strips).
• Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your house.

See the full alert here.

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