Nor'easter Forecast In Moorestown: What To Expect

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A “major" nor'easter is expected to impact Moorestown 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.

Moorestown police are reminding residents to prepare for potential power outages by charging their battery devices, so they can keep in touch. Parents should limit time outside for their children and pets.

"Please park off-street to allow the Department of Public Works to safely clear the streets," Moorestown police said in an alert. "Check in on your elderly or special needs neighbors. Give pedestrians a break. Township Ordinance requires that your sidewalk be cleared at the conclusion of the snow."

On Monday, Superintendent of Schools Scott McCartney told Patch that Wednesday will be a remote-learning day as opposed to a typical snow day. This is just for this storm, and is not a blanket policy for all snow days this year. Read more here: No Snow Day From Remote Learning In Moorestown, District Says

Burlington County has enacted a Code Blue Weather Emergency. A Code Blue declaration is made in Burlington County when frigid weather conditions pose a threat of serious harm or death to individuals without shelter. During the declaration, the county provides for short-term sheltering in clean, safe locations.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, people will also be sheltered in separate rooms to guard against the spread of coronavirus. Residents in need of shelter are encouraged to call 211 for assistance.

"Temperatures are dropping, so we're encouraging all those in need of help to reach out," Burlington County Director Felicia Hopson said. "Our Code Blue sheltering program is ready, and we don't want anyone to have to spend the night outdoors or in unsafe conditions, especially with the coronavirus still active."

Due to the forecasted storm, the Burlington County Department of Health has changed its coronavirus testing schedule at the Burlington County Human Services Building in Westampton.

Testing this week was scheduled for mornings and afternoons on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. However, because of the storm, testing will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday.

Testing will also take place on Friday this week from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in order to accommodate for the storm’s disruption.

For next week and the week after, testing will be on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Typically, between 900 and 1,000 people are tested during each daily clinic, according to officials.

“We know COVID-19 testing is critical right now and the adjusted schedule is a way to continue it while also keeping folks safe and off the roads during the storm,” Freeholder Dan O’Connell, liaison to the Burlington County departments of Public Safety and Public Works, said. “By adding a testing day we make sure those who want to be tested still have access.”

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
A chance of rain and snow before 1pm, then rain between 1pm and 2pm, then rain and snow after 2pm. High near 38. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday Night
Rain, snow, and sleet before 1am, then snow, freezing rain, and sleet between 1am and 2am, then snow after 2am. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 28. Blustery, with a northeast wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Thursday
Snow likely, possibly mixing with rain after 1pm, then gradually ending. Partly sunny, with a high near 34. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.