Nor’easter Forecast In Cranford: What To Expect (UPDATED)

CRANFORD, NJ — A “major" nor'easter is expected to impact Cranford starting late Wednesday afternoon, producing plowable snow or heavy rain and packing 35 to 55-mph winds.

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.

Forecast and information specifically for Cranford

The Accuweather forecast specifically for Cranford is here. Note that initial totals reflect only what will fall Wednesday afternoon and evening; subsequent numbers reflect what will be added overnight into Thursday.

The forecast calls for snow to begin around 4 p.m., accumulating 3-6 inches in the afternoon and as much as an additional 4-8 inches overnight and into Thursday morning.

The Cranford schools revealed their snow day policy here.

The Township of Cranford released this information:

"At this time, our area should expect a significant snow storm with strong winds and whiteout conditions. The heaviest snow is expected [Wednesday], from 10 p.m. overnight into Thursday morning. Please stay off the roads for your safety and to allow emergency police, fire, and first aid vehicles to travel.

The Township Public Works Department, in coordination with the Police and Fire Departments, will begin clearing snow once there is an accumulation of three inches. Using plow equipment when there isn't enough snow damages the roads. Residents can assist by doing the following:

• Please put cars in driveways to assist with snow removal.
• Vehicles MUST be removed from these major roadways:
• Springfield Avenue
• Walnut Avenue
• North Avenue
• South Avenue
• Centennial Avenue
• For a list of snow routes in Cranford, please click here: Cranford Snow Emergency Map.
• Please do not put additional leaves in the street. Public Works Department is working to pick up leaves already out to clear the way for plowing.
• Please remove any basketball hoops that are in the street.

Read more of the message here.

The police advised, "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Check local Department of Transportation information services for the latest road conditions." Read their Nixle alert here.

On Monday, the town advised people to move cars from more than 30 streets if a storm comes, and to prepare for snow in other ways.

Read that story on Cranford Patch here: If Cranford Gets Snow, Police May Tow

Statewide forecast

Forecasters said Tuesday that statewide, 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 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.

This is the general forecast for New Jersey, as of Tuesday:

• Wednesday: Snow and/or rain, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 28. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• Wednesday night: Snow and/or rain. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 22. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of two to 14 inches possible.
• Thursday: A chance of snow before 8 a.m., then a chance of snow showers, mainly between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
• Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

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.

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