Full Notification

HOBOKEN SNOW UPDATE
 
The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for 1-3 inches of snow on Thursday. However, more than 5 inches of snow ultimately fell during evening rush hour. The snow then turned into freezing rain, creating hazardous road conditions.
 
Crews from the Department of Environmental Services and Hudson County plowed and salted all roadways overnight. Despite the City’s best efforts to plow roads effectively, regional traffic issues prevented proper execution of the Snow Emergency Plan. The City thanks residents for their patience with both traffic and snow removal delays. 
 
Preparation
Hoboken prepared for yesterday’s record-setting November snowfall by clearing catch basins of leaves and debris, stocking road salt, filling snow blowers, and fitting trucks with plows and salt spreaders. City crews began salting roadways at noon and plowing when snow totals passed one inch around 3 PM. 
 
Regional Traffic Gridlock Impacted Snow Removal Operations
At rush hour, gridlock in the regional transportation system leading from New York City and Route 495 spread into Hoboken. Traffic extended from the Park and Willow Ave bridges as far south as 3^rd Street. In the middle of rush hour, two buses and several vehicles became disabled on the Park Avenue bridge, causing further traffic delays. County plows were unable to plow County Roads in Hoboken as quickly as usual due to traffic gridlock throughout Hudson County. The City is actively working with the County to ensure that for all future snow events, County Roads including the Park and Willow Avenue Bridges are properly salted and plowed for traffic.
 
At the same time, more than 30 trees and limbs fell due to the heavy weight of snow on branches with leaves, requiring additional road closures for safety. The Hoboken Fire Department and Police Department prioritized tree cleanup on primary roads to get traffic flowing. More than 5 electric wires also fell, but regional traffic delays prevented PSEG crews from arriving in Hoboken until 10 PM. Crews continued to remove downed trees and fix downed electric wires throughout the night.
 
These unprecedented traffic delays and other unique conditions prevented snow plowing operations in much of Hoboken during the snow event. While City plows were on the streets, they were unable to navigate until the gridlock began clearing around 7 PM. Crews remained on the streets plowing and salting overnight. Crews also cleared ADA ramps on Washington Street and near the PATH area overnight.
 
Street Cleaning Suspended
Street cleaning suspended on Friday 11/16/2018.
 
Keeping Sidewalks Clear
Property owners/occupants are reminded that they have six hours after the completion of a storm to remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property, along with adjoining wheelchair ramps or curb cuts. Residents are urged to assist elderly or disabled neighbors with clearing snow from their properties. It is illegal to shovel snow back onto streets or onto fire hydrants. The City is responsible for clearing sidewalks around City-owned properties. The City performs proactive inspections and also relies on citizen complaints to help identify those property owners that are not meeting sidewalk safety requirements. The vast majority of property owners comply with these regulations, but the City will issue fines to those who do not keep sidewalks clear.
 
Reporting Problems
Residents are encouraged to monitor the City website, www.hobokennj.gov or sign up to receive free email or text updates by visiting www.hobokennj.gov/alerts. For emergencies, call 911 or the Hoboken Police Department at 201-420-2100. Downed power lines should be reported to 911.
 
To report an unplowed street, unshoveled sidewalk, or other problem, residents can submit an online complaint via www.hoboken311.com or via the Hoboken 311 mobile application.
 
Thank you
The City is acutely aware of the difficulties and challenges that residents confronted while commuting home yesterday evening. We are grateful for your understanding, cooperation, and patience during this unprecedented November snow event.