PASCACK VALLEY AREA, N.J.—Be careful out there. Gov. Phil Murphy has issued a state of emergency for New Jersey ahead of a nor’easter snowstorm that could bring more than a foot of snow to some areas of the Garden State.
He warned against winds up to 60 mph and heavy rain, which could lead to power outages and coastal flooding.
A winter storm warning for portions of northeast New Jersey, southern Connecticut, and southeast New York remains in effect from 2 p.m. today to 1 p.m. Thursday. Snow was likely to fall all the way from Georgia to Maine, which was expected to lead to very dangerous travel conditions and isolated power outages, the National Weather Service warned.
PSE&G tweeted, “Our crews are at the ready for #WinterStormGail, expected to bring strong winds, heavy snow & potential flooding today. Strong winds & heavy, wet snow can bring down trees & power lines. Remember, if u lose power, please contact us immediately 2 report it. http://spr.ly/6013Hu8zX.”
Murphy’s declaration, which starts at 2 p.m., imposes shutdowns and prohibits price hikes. Murphy also can waive certain procurement procedures to speed the delivery of essential goods and services.
All state offices will close at 1 p.m., except for those deemed essential in the storm response.
“Because so many people are currently still working from home, and so many students are still on remote learning, we do not anticipate the same after school or rush hour issues that we would otherwise see,” Murphy said. “But if you are on the road after the storm conditions have begun, we urge you to please take it slow, and use common sense and caution.”
Local mayors also are requesting residents keep the streets clear, advising that household garbage pickup is on hold, and recommending you keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Public works heads are emailing pleas that residents not shovel or plow snow out into the streets, saying crews will be out working to clear the streets as soon as possible. They also ask we keep fire hydrants clear.
Please refrain from unnecessary travel to make their job safer and to keep yourself and your family safe as well.