Nor’easter Forecast In Hillsborough: What To Expect

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The timing of a "major" nor'easter, which is expected to impact Hillsborough, 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.

Hillsborough Township sent out a bulletin on winter storm reminders to residents on Tuesday:

• In the event you experience a loss of power, contact your power company directly and report the outage. Do not assume that the outage has already been reported. JCP&L: 888-544-4877 and PSE&G 800-436-7734.
• Do not touch or attempt to move downed power lines.
• Do not operate generators inside your residence nor your garage; use only outdoors.
• If you are using candles, ensure they are not placed by any flammable material and remain attended to while lit. Extinguish candles when leaving a room.
• If using space heaters, ensure they are placed in a safe location away from flammable materials and walls.
• 911 is for Emergency use only. For nonemergencies, call 908-369-4323.
• On-street parking is prohibited during the storm.
• All residents are encouraged to remain at home, but if you need to venture out, please allow extra travel time to allow for safe arrival at your destination.
• Do not place trash cans or recycling cans out until the plows have passed. If you must put them out, place them well back from the curb line so the plows or projected snow does not hit them. Remove empty cans as soon as possible.

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.
• Wednesday 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 7 to 11 inches possible.
• Thursday: Snow likely, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, 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.

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.