Nor’easter Impacts In Union County: Snow, Travel Updates

UNION COUNTY, NJ – A "major" nor'easter hit the Union County area on Monday, producing several inches of snow and causing disruptions on local roads and highways.

Here are the latest details for the snow and nor'easter that's hitting many New Jersey towns with 50-mph winds, which could cause power outages, as well as snow, road closures and flooding. Read more: NJ Weather: Timeline, Hour-By-Hour NJ Snow, Nor'easter Forecast

Gov. Phil Murphy told people that they need to get off the roads because it's "dangerous," and he said roads should be clear so crews can make sure essential vehicles get through.

That would include the vehicles transporting the coronavirus vaccine.

"This is a big one," Murphy said during his Monday news conference, telling New Jersey residents, "If you don't need to be out, don't go out."

Murphy said the early afternoon will be the "teeth" of the storm and the state Department of Transportation has 3,900 pieces of equipment deployed to deal with the storm. Murphy also said the storm will likely last until Tuesday night.

The National Weather Service labeled the "major" system a "nor'easter" since it was expected to produce strong, sustained damaging winds and precipitation over a 24-hour period on Monday and into Tuesday.

Murphy declared a state of emergency, suspended trains and buses and restricted travel on highways. Patch is providing regular updates on the details as well as school closings. Read more: NJ Weather: State Of Emergency, Snow Estimates For NJ Nor'easter

Patch also is providing regular updates on local power outages and snow totals. Read more: Who Got The Most Snow? NJ Town-By-Town Nor'easter Snow Totals

Murphy closed all six of New Jersey's COVID vaccine mega-sites on Monday, and a number of other sites have also closed. Read more: NJ COVID-19 Vaccine Sites Closing Because Of Nor'easter

The storm was expected to be fierce enough to cause power outages and more was expected to arrive overnight and into Tuesday (see the forecast below).

Here were the 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.

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In most area towns, mayors asked residents to move their cars from main streets. See your town's Patch for greater details.
Most area schools either closed or went remote Monday. Here is a partial list:

• Berkeley Heights: Snow Day.
• Cranford: Remote Classes in morning.
• Scotch Plains-Fanwood: Single-session remote schedule (see more).
• Springfield: Schools closed.
• Summit: Schools closed.
• Westfield: Remote classes in morning.

Police offered safety tips including:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, or space heaters. If using space heaters, plug only one directly into a wall outlet (never use extension cords or power strips).
• Do not run snow blowers in garages – it is a carbon monoxide and fire hazard. Never attempt to fix a clogged or inoperative snow blower with the engine running – responders have witnessed serious injuries and loss of fingers/hands as a result.
• Treat any downed wires as if they were live- stay clear away from them. Report them to emergency services. Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your house. Never fuel generators when the engine is running or hot.
• Report all power outages to PSEG at 1-800-736-7734 (PSEG).
• If you have outside gas meters, make sure the regulator vents are clear of snow.
• If you have a direct wall-vent furnace or water heater, make sure snow does not block the pipe outside your home. If you have direct vent heating appliance and you notice your heat has stopped working, you should check the vent to ensure it did not get blocked.

Here is the forecast:

• Monday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 32. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches possible.
• Monday Night: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 29. Blustery, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• Tuesday: Snow before 11 a.m., then rain and snow likely. High near 36. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
• Tuesday Night: A chance of rain and snow before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

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