Nor’easter Impacts Holmdel-Hazlet: What's Next

HOLMDEL, NJ – A “major" nor'easter hit the Monmouth County area on Wednesday, producing several inches of snow in some areas and strong gusts of wind.

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 Wednesday.

The storm was expected to be fierce enough to bring down power lines, especially in Monmouth County, and more was expected to arrive overnight into Thursday (see the forecast below).

As of 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, there was six inches of snow on the ground in Howell, according to the National Weather Service. According to JCP&L, there were isolated power outages Wednesday night in Hazlet, Red Bank, Rumson, Asbury Park and the tip of Sandy Hook.

Moderate tidal flooding as a result of the storm is likely with Wednesday evening and Thursday morning’s high tide, according to The National Weather Service.

"I encourage all residents to exercise caution while driving on Township roads," Holmdel Mayor Greg Buontempo wrote Tuesday. "If possible, limit your travel for the duration of the storm as well as during the storm clean-up period. Make sure to have food in your home prior to the beginning of the storm, and be careful when shoveling so as not to over-exert yourself."

The Holmdel Township Police Department reminded residents Tuesday evening that parking is prohibited on snow covered streets in Holmdel Township, according to a 2010 ordinance. Holmdel Township's recycling pick-up will be suspended Thursday, Dec. 17. A make-up date is scheduled for Dec. 19.

“Monmouth County is in a unique situation with this snow storm, with some of our southern towns predicted to get as little as one inch of snow and some our northern towns predicted to get up to ten inches between noon today and 2 p.m. tomorrow,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering on Wednesday.

“The forecasted amounts may change over the course of the day and overnight, but I am here to let you know that Monmouth County is ready for whatever this storm brings.”

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders previously reported that initial crews from the county’s Department of Public Works & Engineering pre-treated critical areas with liquid salt brine in order to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road surface. Later in the day on Wednesday, road crews applied rock salt treated with eco-friendly magnesium chloride.

Monmouth County’s Shade Tree Commission and Traffic Safety crews are on standby to remove downed tree limbs and assist with the reactivation and repair of traffic control devices.

“We ask our residents and commuters to stay home if possible, use caution on the roadways, give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and extend distance to snow and ice control trucks,” said Arnone.

Here were 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 pandemic.

AccuWeather said the nor'easter 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 warned 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.

The high winds could also lead to power outages throughout the county. JCP&L has extra line crews driving into New Jersey from Ohio to help if lines go down.

If a power outage does occur, you can report the outage to First Energy at 1-888-544-4877 (1-888-LIGHTSS).

Here is the current forecast:

• Wednesday night: Snow before 1 a.m., then snow and sleet between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., then snow after 4 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times with a steady temperature around 33. Northeast winds at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Total nighttime snow and sleet accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
• Thursday: Snow, mainly before noon. High near 33. Breezy, with a north wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
• Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. North winds around 10 mph.

Related: Nor’easter Forecast In Monmouth County: What To Expect