Nor’easter Toby could bring more than a foot of snow to region

March 20, 2018 Kathryn Cambrea

[slideshow_deploy id=’899′]

BY KATHRYN CAMBREA

Spring is here, but warm weather sure isn’t. Weather forecasts are tracking Nor’easter Toby, which is expected to bring heavy snow conditions on Wednesday, March 21. Here is what you need to know.

The National Weather Service reports that precipitation in the local area will begin early tomorrow morning, and turn into snow after 7 a.m. The nor’easter will not end until the morning of Thursday, March 22.

The National Weather Service estimates an accumulation up to 15 inches in the local area.

Tomorrow’s winds will travel at speeds ranging from 15-30 mph, according to AccuWeather, and gusts could reach above 50 mph.

Such precipitation could have a detrimental impact on transportation, electricity, and safety. The Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) already issued a statement regarding the impending weather. In this press release, PSE&G Senior Vice President John Latka revealed expected conditions and how to respond to them accordingly.

“While we will be prepared to respond as quickly and safely as possible, we’re urging everyone to take precautions, particularly by staying away from and not driving over downed wires. If possible, people should stay off the road tomorrow so that our crews can do their work,” Latka said.

PSE&G urges residents to call (800) 436-PSEG should you experience and/or need to report downed wires or power outages.

Local police departments are warning their residents to be safe and are utilizing social media to make their announcements.

Washington Township Police Department is among the police departments who have posted in response to Nor’Easter Toby.

One of these tweets reads, “WEATHER UPDATE: A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from midnight tonight until 8 AM Thursday. 12-18 inches of wet and heavy snow is expected to fall. Wind gusts of up to 35 MPH are possible, which may cause power outages. Please make early preparations.”

The department announced that overnight parking will not be granted tonight due to the weather.

Other municipalities, such as Harrington Park, also announced suspension of overnight parking. The Norwood Police Department tweeted that recycling would not be collected.

An advisory for AccuWeather suggests staying indoors during the nor’easter due to road conditions.

“Travel will be very difficult to impossible, especially during the evening commute. Snow will develop during the morning and become heavy by afternoon. Expect significant reductions in visibility at times,” the advisory states.