Full Notification

MAYOR AMATO WOULD LIKE TO ADVISE RESIDENTS THAT THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY AND A HIGH WIND WATCH.

BOTH ARE IN EFFECT FROM 1:00 PM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 TO 7:00 AM EST SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15.

SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...1 TO 3 INCHES.

TIMING...SNOW WILL BEGIN SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE OVERNIGHT, AND THERE MAY TIMES OF HEAVIER BURSTS OF SNOW.

IMPACTS...SNOW WILL MAKE ROADWAYS SLIPPERY AND BLOWING SNOW MAY REDUCE VISIBILITY TO ONE QUARTER OF A MILE AT TIMES.

WINDS...WEST 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 TO 60 MPH POSSIBLE. THE HIGHEST WINDS SHOULD OCCUR LATE SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING.

TEMPERATURES...IN THE LOWER 20S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS, LIMITED VISIBILITIES AND AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW. USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

IMPACTS...IF THIS MAGNITUDE OF WIND OCCURS, BE PREPARED FOR POWER OUTAGES POSSIBLY LASTING FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. TREES AND TREE LIMBS COULD BE KNOCKED DOWN.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT. SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH...OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR STRONGER MAY OCCUR. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

TO PREPARE, DO NOT PARK VEHICLES WHERE TREES CAN FALL ON THEM. MAKE SURE ALL CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE FULLY CHARGED. IF YOU HAVE A GENERATOR, MAKE SURE IT IS WORKING PROPERLY AND IS PROPERLY VENTILATED WHEN IN USE. IF THIS MAGNITUDE OF WIND OCCURS, EXPECT BRIDGE RESTRICTIONS AND IMPACTS TO HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES.

As we prepare for this snow event, we would like to remind residents the following:

FROM THE DIVISION OF STREETS AND ROADS:
SNOW PLOW AND SALTING PROCEDURES

At the start of a snow storm, salt and sanding vehicles are dispatched in Berkeley Township. Major roadways are usually done first, followed by secondary roadways. After the snow has stopped and it has been determined that accumulations have exceeded 5", the Township will begin to snow plow. The Township will utilize approximately 70 pieces of Township equipment and approximately 30 contracted loaders for cul-de-sacs. All streets are opened curb to curb to insure the drains are opened. Sanding and salting operations continue as needed.

Each snowplow vehicle has been assigned a section to plow and will remain in that section until all roadways have been sufficiently cleaned. This may require the snowplow vehicle to make multiple passes on each street. Township forces will be plowing each street from curb to curb during each snowfall. On occasion, due to the lack of areas between the sidewalk and curb, sidewalks and driveway aprons may become covered with snow that falls off the snowplow blade. Township forces will not remove snow from any sidewalk or driveway apron in these instances. We regret this unfortunate inconvenience. At no time is snow to be disposed of into the street from the property, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks. All snow blowers should be directed to blow snow back onto the property.

After the streets are plowed and salted, snow deposited back into the roadway creates hazardous situations, causes additional plowing of the streets and blocking of parked vehicles and driveways after the original cleanup. Summonses could be issued for non-compliance. We want to thank everyone for complying with these requests and following the ordinances, rules and regulations of the Township of Berkeley. Any questions on these policies and procedures, Call Steven J. Seiler, Principal Public Works Manager At: 732-349-4616 or 732-341-1022. Or you can Email: [email protected]

FROM THE DIVISION OF POLICE:
Township Ordinance 7-8.3

Temporary Parking Prohibited for Snow Plowing and Removal.

Whenever snow has fallen and the accumulation is such that it covers the streets and highways, an emergency shall exist and no vehicle shall be parked on the streets or highways or portions thereof indicated. The parking prohibitions listed below shall remain in effect after the snow has ceased, until the streets have been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic.

Any unoccupied vehicle parked or standing in violation shall be deemed a nuisance and a menace to the safe and proper regulation of traffic and any Police Officer may provide for the removal of such vehicle. The owner shall pay the reasonable costs of the removal and storage, which may result from such removal before regaining possession of the vehicle.

POWER OUTAGES:

If a power outage occurs as a result of the severe weather, customers should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage or click the “Report Outage” link on: www.firstenergycorp.com via smartphone.

In the event of downed utility wires, you should immediately report them to JCP&L at the number above or the Berkeley Township Police Department at 732-341-6600.

Residents should never go near a downed power line, even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity.

For additional general information and updates on the snow event please visit: www.berkeleytownship.org or tune into TV channel 22.


THANK YOU.