Nor'easter Forecast In West Deptford: What To Expect

WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — A “major" nor'easter is expected to impact West Deptford on Wednesday, producing 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.

West Deptford said its employees and available equipment are being prepared for the storm. The RiverWinds Community Center plans to open on time. Visit https://www.riverwinds.org/ for any information on delays or limited openings.

The township said its Department of Public Works removes snow from more than 184 miles of roadway on each pass through town, which officials said takes about 12 hours. In order to remove the snow, they start with primary roads and intersections, before moving on to secondary roads.

"To ensure the safest road conditions, we begin salting prior to the arrival of the storm and continue until snow accumulates up to two inches," officials said. "Once snow accumulation reaches two or more inches, we begin plowing and safely clearing the roads."

To help crews effectively clear snow, residents are asked to:

• Keep the curb line clear by parking all vehicles in driveways and parking lots;
• Keep the curb line clear and free of overhead branches, trash cans, portable basketball nets, vehicles, boats and RVs;
• Wait until their street has been plowed to shovel their driveway; and
• Keep shoveled snow on their property.

The Gloucester County Department of Public Works is responsible for salting and plowing Delaware Street, Grove Road, Grove Avenue, Hessian Avenue, Jessup Road, King's Highway, Mantua Grove Road, Parkville Road, Red Bank Avenue, and Ogden Road. They can be reached at 856-307-6400.

The state is responsible for salting and plowing Crown Point Road, Route 45 and Route 295. They can be reached at 856-845-2850.

Call 911 for emergencies. The township will provide updates on their website, Facebook page, and on Twitter.

Gloucester County has canceled its coronavirus testing day that was scheduled for Wednesday. It will resume on Thursday, and is scheduled to continue through February, by appointment only. Read more here: Gloucester County Coronavirus Testing Continues Through February

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 3pm, then rain and snow after 3pm. High near 37. Northeast wind 5 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 15 to 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 3 to 7 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 21.