Nor’easter Forecast In Westfield: What To Expect (UPDATED)

WESTFIELD, NJ — A “major" nor'easter is expected to impact Westfield starting Wednesday afternoon, 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.

Forecast specifically for Westfield

The Accuweather forecast specifically for Westfield is here. Note that Wednesday numbers only reflect what will fall in the afternoon and evening; subsequent numbers reflect what will be added overnight into Thursday.

The forecast calls for snow to begin around 4 p.m., accumulating 3-6 inches in the afternoon and as much as an additional 4-8 inches overnight and into Thursday morning.

Westfield school information

Westfield schools will have a remote morning session on Thursday. Afternoon session is canceled. Read more: Westfield Schools To Have Short, Remote Day During Snow Thursday

Westfield information

Mayor Shelley Brindle said in an update Tuesday night:

"Public Works will begin pre-treating roadways throughout Town Wednesday morning in anticipation of the storm. As a reminder, parking is prohibited on any street in Westfield when three or more inches of snow have fallen, until snowfall stops and the entire width of the road has been plowed. Under these circumstances, the shoveling or blowing of snow into a plowed street is also banned. Downtown residents who have "Nite Owl" permits are permitted to park in the long term spaces in Lot #4 (behind Baron's Drugs) during snow events.

"The list of all winter weather parking rules, including alternate side parking areas, is posted on our website.

"The DPW typically begins plowing once three inches of snow have accumulated. In just one pass through Town, they plow 400 miles of travel lanes, shoulders and parking lots. Please be patient as they complete the necessary work to safely clear the roadways. Please stay off the roads while plowing is underway, remove your cars from the streets, and be sure that all sidewalks are cleared within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling."

Statewide map and snowfall totals

Forecasters said Tuesday that statewide, 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 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.

This is the general forecast for New Jersey, as of Tuesday:

• 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.

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.

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