Nor’easter Impacts In Hudson County: School Closures, Snow Update

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — A “major" nor'easter hit Hudson County starting Sunday night, forcing some area schools to close, others to go remote, and prompting mayors to ask residents to move cars from the street and follow safety guidelines (see lists below).

Here are the latest details for the snow and nor'easter that's hitting many New Jersey towns with 50-mph winds, which could cause power outages, as well as snow, road closures and flooding. Read more: NJ Weather: Timeline, Hour-By-Hour NJ Snow, Nor'easter Forecast

Gov. Phil Murphy told people that they need to get off the roads because it's "dangerous," and he said roads should be clear so crews can make sure essential vehicles get through.

That would include the vehicles transporting the coronavirus vaccine.

"This is a big one," Murphy said during his Monday news conference, telling New Jersey residents, "If you don't need to be out, don't go out."

Murphy said the early afternoon will be the "teeth" of the storm and the state Department of Transportation has 3,900 pieces of equipment deployed to deal with the storm. Murphy also said the storm will likely last until Tuesday night.

The National Weather Service labeled the system a nor'easter since it's expected to produce strong, sustained damaging winds and precipitation over a 24-hour period on Monday and into Tuesday. See the latest: NJ Weather: State Of Emergency, Snow Estimates For NJ Nor'easter

Patch also is providing regular updates on local power outages and snow totals. Read more: Who Got The Most Snow? NJ Town-By-Town Nor'easter Snow Totals

Murphy closed all six of New Jersey's COVID vaccine mega-sites on Monday, and a number of other sites have also closed. Read more: NJ COVID-19 Vaccine Sites Closing Because Of Nor'easter

The storm was expected to be fierce enough to cause power outages and more.

The National Weather Service estimated 16 to 22 inches could fall in North Jersey in total, with winds up to 45 miles per hour.

Here were the 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.

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In many area towns, mayors asked residents to move their cars from main streets. See your town's Patch for greater details.

Area schools had to determine whether to close, go remote, or stay open Monday. Here is a partial list of determinations or district websites:

• Hoboken: Schools are closed Monday. No remote learning.
• Secaucus: District website
• Jersey City: Schools are closed Monday. No remote learning.

Police offered safety tips including:

• 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).
• Do not run snow blowers in garages – it is a carbon monoxide and fire hazard. Never attempt to fix a clogged or inoperative snow blower with the engine running – responders have witnessed serious injuries and loss of fingers/hands as a result.
• Treat any downed wires as if they were live- stay clear away from them. Report them to emergency services. Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your house. Never fuel generators when the engine is running or hot.
• Report all power outages to PSEG at 1-800-736-7734 (PSEG).
• If you have outside gas meters, make sure the regulator vents are clear of snow.
• If you have a direct wall-vent furnace or water heater, make sure snow does not block the pipe outside your home. If you have direct vent heating appliance and you notice your heat has stopped working, you should check the vent to ensure it did not get blocked.

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