Union County Snow Updates: 2 Jack-Knifed Tractor Trailers

UNION COUNTY, NJ — As predicted, heavy snow has moved into the area. The snow has covered roads and is only expected to continue for several hours. Forecasters say since it is a heavy, wet snow, it could cause widespread power outages just days after Friday's storm knocked out electricity for thousands.

Here are the latest impacts the storm is having in the Union County area:

• As of 6:42 p.m., there's a downed tree on I-78 westbound ramp to Exit 43 - CR 655/Diamond Hill Rd in Berkeley Heights Twp. Ramp closed and detoured.
• As of 6:41 p.m., there's a jack-knifed tractor trailer on I-78westbound area of Exit 43 - CR 655/Diamond Hill Rd in Berkeley Heights Twp. Right lane blocked 45-50 minute delay.
• As of 5:20 p.m., there's a fluid spill and a jack-knifed tractor trailer on I-78 westbound ramp to Exit 50 - CR 630/Vaux Hall Rd in Union Twp. Ramp closed and detoured.
• As of 3:52 p.m., there's a downed tree on US 22 westbound at Glenside Av in Scotch Plains Twp. All lanes closed and detoured.
• As of 3:41pm, there's a downed tree on I-78 westbound area of East of Exit 50 - CR 630/Vaux Hall Rd in Union Twp. Right lane closed, according to nj511.org.
• Service is suspended on all NJ TRANSIT bus routes after 4:30 p.m. Cross-honoring is in effect for rail, bus and private carriers and light rail service Wednesday.
• 167 Union County residents are without power as of 3:14 p.m. and power restoration is expected by 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to JCP&L.
• As of 2:19 p.m, there's a disabled vehicle on the Garden State Parkway northbound Exit 142B - I-78 West in Hillside Twp. Exit ramp closed until further notice., according to nj511.org.
• Union County residents are strongly advised to stay off the roads, to help reduce the chance of accidents, enable emergency responders to get through, and enable snow plows to operate more effectively.
• Residents should also ensure that emergency supplies are at hand including food, water, flashlights, first aid kits and any needed medicines or medical equipment. Make sure that cell phones are charged and get fresh batteries for portable radios.
• Home delivered meals and congregate meals are both suspended.
• The Union County Paratransit System will be available only for medical trips and the Route 22 Shuttle.
• The ASK senior outreach event at the Linden Public Library is cancelled. Visit the county website, ucnj.org, for other ASK events in March.
• The Wednesday Sheriff’s sale is cancelled.
• The “Branches Against Bullying” event is cancelled.
• Warinanco Sports Center, Trailside Museum and the Watchung Stables will all be closed.

Check back to this page for more local updates on the storm's impact. Share your snow photos and videos with Patch, email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com and include your name and town.

(Image by Victor Tarrazi: Union area.)

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.