Nor’easter Forecast In Mahwah: What To Expect

Last updated at 9:51 a.m.

MAHWAH, NJ — A “major" nor'easter is expected to impact Mahwah on Wednesday, producing more 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.

If major snowfall does happen, students in Mahwah will be happy to know that interim Superintendent Leonard Fitts is a major supporter of snow days.

Though some districts have decided to institute remote learning rather than call for cancellation of classes this school year, Mahwah will not be among them.

"Snow days are chances for on-site learners and virtual learners to just be kids by playing in the snow, baking cookies, reading books, and watching a good movie," said Fitts. "These are times for memory-making, and we believe these types of opportunities should remain intact."

Mahwah is also still using a hybrid learning model this week — though that's slated to change — which makes transportation a concern for the district.

READ MORE: In Mahwah, Snow Days Are For 'Memory-Making,' Not Remote Learning

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.

The forecast has also impacted county-wide programs.

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco announced the county has preemptively canceled COVID-19 testing at Bergen Community College in Paramus for Thursday.

Though testing won't be available Thursday, you can still get tested this week.

"Due to the impending weather, testing at Bergen Community College on Thursday, December 17th has been cancelled. At this time, testing remains as scheduled on Wednesday (12/16) and Saturday (12/19)," Tedesco said, in a Facebook post.

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."

Here is the forecast from the National Weather Service:

• Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of snow after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Northeast wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
• Wednesday Night: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 26. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Blustery, with a northeast wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 10 to 14 inches possible.
• Thursday: A 50 percent chance of snow before noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a steady temperature around 28. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Blustery, with a north wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
• Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. North wind 5 to 7 mph.