Nor’easter Forecast In Warren: What To Expect

WARREN, NJ — The timing of a "major" nor'easter, which is expected to impact Warren, has shifted to later in the day on Wednesday. The storm is predicted to produce plowable snow or heavy rain and packing 35 to 55-mph winds. (Updated forecast below)

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.

Warren Township Schools are weighing out several scenarios for upcoming school days in anticipation of the storm.

The district's 2020-2021 calendar includes four emergency closing/snow days. Superintendent Matthew Mingle said the district will use a maximum of three snow days so that the last day of school is no later than Friday, June 18 and spring break is protected.

"These days exist to allow us to close our facilities to protect the health and safety of our students and staff. Practically speaking, however, snow days also provide a break from the day-to-day and an opportunity for children (and their families) to get outside and play in the snow, break out some board games or movies for some family fun, or otherwise take a breather," Mingle said. "With this in mind, the Warren Township Schools will use snow days this winter when weather conditions require it and conditions are best for students to have a memory-making day home."

Here are the scenarios the district is currently considering depending on when the storm hits:

Wednesday

Scenario 1: Open and Operating - This scenario will be in play if roads and school grounds are clear, no significant power issues exist in school facilities, and the forecast calls for conditions to remain stable until 2 p.m.

Scenario 2: Full Distance - This scenario will be in play if roads and school grounds are not clear and/or significant power issues exist in school facilities and/or the forecast calls for conditions to deteriorate prior to 2 p.m.

Thursday

Scenario 1: Open and Operating - This scenario will be in play if roads and school grounds are clear and no significant power issues exist in school facilities.

Scenario 2: Snow Day - This scenario will be in play if roads and school grounds are not clear and/or significant power issues exist in school facilities.

Friday

Scenario 1: Open and Operating - This scenario will be in play if roads and school grounds are clear and no significant power issues exist in school facilities.

Scenario 2: Full Distance - This scenario will be in play if roads and school grounds are not clear and/or significant power issues exist in school facilities.

Scenario 3: Snow Day - This scenario will be in play if significant power issues exist in the community.

Warren Township is also prepped and ready for the storm.

"We are status quo. All good and prepared for this storm or others Township-wise," said Mayor Michael "Mick" Marion.

"As always, we ask our residents to try and avoid parking on the roads so the crews and get through and be as efficient as possible with salting and plowing," said Marion. "This is all the more important should any of our Police or First Responders be needed in emergency situations."

The Warren Township Office of Emergency Management recommends the following:

• Stay home and off the roads
• The Mayor and Township Committee urge your assistance to allow First Responders and the Department of Public Works to clear the roads as quickly as possible — stay home. Until the roads are cleared and safe, stay off the roadways as conditions may become extremely hazardous.
• Stay away from downed trees and wires.
• If you have a well or need a sump pump, buy a generator to run it along with a few basic services such as a couple of lights, the refrigerator, and the heat. Do NOT run vehicles, generators, or snow blowers inside your garage. Review generator safety procedures.
• Please review your family's Emergency Plan. Be prepared to have enough food, water, medications, and other necessities for you, your family, and your pets to stay in your home for a few days with or without power.
• Have extra batteries for flashlights and fully charge your cell phones.
• If you or a loved one have special or medical needs, please plan ahead for the upcoming weather conditions by making necessary arrangements in the event of a power loss.
• Check on your neighbors, particularly the elderly. If you feel that someone needs a wellness check, contact the Warren Police at 908-753-1000, and they will send out an officer.
• Warming/charging centers and shelters will not be opened until the roads are safely passable.
• Remove vehicles from the roadway to aid in the plowing of streets and allow for the passage of emergency vehicles.
• Clear a path to your front door in the event that emergency workers need to access your residence.
• Shovel out any fire hydrants and generators on your property.
• Do not plow snow from your driveway into the street. This is a violation of Township ordinances. The Township is not responsible for plowing the apron of your driveway.
• Pursuant to Warren Township Ordinance 3-3A.2, sidewalks must be cleared of snow or ice by the owner or tenant of the abutting property within 12 hours after snow has fallen.
• Use 911 only for emergency situations. Use the Police Departments non-emergency line for all other inquiries: 908-753-1000.
• Information regarding road conditions on state roads is available at the NJ Department of Transportation's website, http://www.511nj.org/.
• Information regarding emergency preparedness can be found at the state's website, www.ready.nj.gov.
• Check school websites for information on school closures.
• Updated information is available at warrennj.org/storm and on AM radio 680, Warren Emergency Broadcast. This is the first event that the new AM radio station will be utilized

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: Snow, mainly after 3 p.m. High near 30. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
• Wednesday Night: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 25. Blustery, with a northeast wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches possible.
• Thursday: Snow likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Blustery, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
• Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

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