Nor’easter Forecast In Manchester: What To Expect

MANCHESTER, NJ – A major nor'easter is expected to impact Manchester on Wednesday, producing 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.

Manchester Township police and officials said they were monitoring the storm, which is expected to bring heavy rain to much of Ocean County, though Manchester could see a dusting of snow. Officials urged residents to take any necessary precautions, including securing items that could be vulnerable to the wind.

"As always, check on your neighbors and the elderly. Stay safe!" Manchester police said.

Manchester could see some snow overnight Wednesday into Thursday; AccuWeather's forecast estimates the area will see 1 to 3 inches of snow.

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 predicted wind speeds, as of Tuesday evening:

Snow is expected to be heavy to the north and west parts of the state, with 18 to 24 inches expected. 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.

Manchester Township Superintendent David Trethaway said nothing had been officially determined as of Tuesday.

"We are prepared to work remotely if the weather prevents in-person instruction. If this occurs on a Wednesday, the district is mostly remote and that would not be an issue," he said.

If the storm knocks out power and/or internet service is not working "for students and staff, that could result in a true snow day," Trethaway said.

AccuWeather is warning of major disruptions to travel and even travel shutdowns, as well as shipping delays, school closings and power outages from this 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 and/or rain, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 28. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• Wednesday night: Snow and/or rain. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 22. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of two to 14 inches possible.
• Thursday: A chance of snow before 8 a.m., then a chance of snow showers, mainly between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
• Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

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