Monroe OEM warns residents of potentially big storm
By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
MONROE — Officials are upping the ante for tomorrow’s predicted blizzard.
According to the township’s Office of Emergency Management, the snow event for Monday has been upgraded to a blizzard warning in Middlesex County beginning at noon Monday.
Monroe Township OEM, Police, DPW, Emergency Services, and Administration are preparing staff and resources. MTOEM is meeting tomorrow morning to finalize operation plans, according to a press release Sunday evening.
Officials also said the Monroe Township Council Meeting scheduled for tomorrow evening has been cancelled. The new date and time for this meeting will be 7 p.m. Jan. 29.
“We strongly urge you to finalize all storm preparations tonight,” the release to residents via Nixle said. “Additionally, it is requested that all cars be removed from township roads once snow begins. This will help facilitate safe plowing operations.”
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning Sunday evening for New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New England through Tuesday afternoon as two systems take aim at the Northeast part of the country.
According to the NWS, a clipper system was advancing through the Middle Mississippi Valley on Sunday and is expected to bring up to three inches of snow to central New Jersey by Monday morning’s commute.
A coastal low is then expected to develop with significantly more moisture setting up a storm that could dump anywhere between 18 to 36 additional inches of snow through Tuesday, according to the forecast.
In addition to the snow, forecasters are warning of windy conditions of around 35 m.p.h. leading to potential blizzard conditions.
According to the agency, blizzard conditions exist when winds of at least 35 m.p.h. cause blowing snow to reduce visibility under a quarter of a mile for at least three hours.
“Remember, these storms can cause loss of electricity, heat, and telephone service and can trap you in your home for a few days. It’s important to have ample supplies on hand in your home,” the release said.
Emergency officials issued these guidelines to make sure residents are prepared and safe during the storm;
Make sure your vehicle has fuel.
Check your medications are filled and up to date.
Make sure you have adequate food.
Make sure you have batteries and a flashlight.
Make sure to check in on elderly family and friends.
Have extra food and bottled water on hand.
Stock high-energy foods, non-perishable and canned foods requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best. A five-day supply is recommended.
Charge all electronic devices.
Have a battery-powered NOAA weather radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.
Own a manual can opener.
Keep a seven-day supply of all medication, medical and baby supplies.
Some other steps to prepare include;
Access to emergency contact information.
Gather extra blankets, boots, hats, and gloves for all family members.
Gather shovels, salt, and sand for walkways.
Police are also asking residents to alert and check on family members, neighbors and friends who are not on social media and may lack awareness of the potential for a significant snow event.
Stay with Centraljersey.com and The Cranbury Press web site for more information as this story develops.