The Latest On The Nor'easter In Holmdel-Hazlet

HOLMDEL-HAZLET, NJ - Snowfall for the nor'easter snowstorm to hit the Jersey Shore is now expected to start falling later in the day Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The snow is expected to begin in New Jersey around 3 p.m. on Wednesday. However, the amount of coverage Monmouth County will get is unknown, as the southern half of New Jersey is predicted to get mostly rain while western and northern Monmouth may see snow.

The Holmdel Township Police Department reminded residents Tuesday evening that parking is prohibited on snow covered streets in Holmdel Township, according to a 2010 ordinance.

Holmdel Township's recycling pick-up will be suspended Thursday, Dec. 17. A make-up date is scheduled for Dec. 19.

According to Holmdel Mayor Greg Buontempo, the Holmdel area is expected to see around 5 inches of snowfall along with sleet and freezing rain. A combination of wet snow in conjunction with possible high winds could result in temporary power outages, as well as hazardous road conditions.

"I encourage all residents to exercise caution while driving on Township roads," the mayor wrote Tuesday. "If possible, limit your travel for the duration of the storm as well as during the storm clean-up period. Make sure to have food in your home prior to the beginning of the storm, and be careful when shoveling so as not to over-exert yourself."

Accumulations of five to ten inches are predicted for parts of Monmouth County. Combined with wind, drifting snow and ice, travel could be hazardous Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
Monmouth County DPW crews pre-treated critical roads with liquid salt brine overnight on Tuesday, to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road surface.

Here are additional expected snow totals:

“Monmouth County is in a unique situation with this snow storm, with some of our southern towns predicted to get as little as one inch of snow and some our northern towns predicted to get up to ten inches between noon today and 2 p.m. tomorrow,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering. “The forecasted amounts may change over the course of the day and overnight, but I am here to let you know that Monmouth County is ready for whatever this storm brings.”

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders report that initial crews from the county’s Department of Public Works & Engineering pre-treated critical infrastructure with liquid salt brine in order to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road surface. Later in the day on Wednesday, road crews will be applying rock salt treated with magnesium chloride, which the Freeholders say is environmentally friendly and does not burn the grass, roadside vegetation or cause corrosion.

Similarly, Hazlet Township reports using a new, more efficient anti-ice system consisting of salt brine made from readily available materials.

"Keeping the roads clear and safe is of utmost importance," the township wrote in a social media post. "Please help the DPW clear your neighborhood streets by moving parked cars off the roadway. Residents are welcome to move vehicles to the Swim Club lot or any other township lot."

“Our snow command center will be in operation for the duration of the storm and the County has the ability to put into service 250 trucks and equipment to combat snowstorms,” said Arnone. “The County also has 31,000 tons of treated salt and 135,000 gallons of salt brine available for use during this storm.”

When the county distributes brine to local roads, it applies 8 gallons of a 28 percent salinity salt brine for every lane mile.

Monmouth County’s Shade Tree Commission and Traffic Safety crews are on standby to remove downed tree limbs and assist with the reactivation and repair of traffic control devices.

“We ask our residents and commuters to stay home if possible, use caution on the roadways, give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and extend distance to snow and ice control trucks,” said Arnone.

Related: Nor’easter Forecast In Monmouth County: What To Expect

The high winds could also lead to power outages throughout the County. JCP&L has extra line crews driving into New Jersey from Ohio to help if lines go down.

If a power outage does occur you can report the outage to First Energy at 1-888-544-4877 (1-888-LIGHTSS).