STORM UPDATE
Winter Weather Advisory
Before we get into the official breakdown, a quick observation from your local weather skeptic. This storm is trying very hard to be a sleet and rain event. It really wants that job. Unfortunately for all of us, the concern for 3 to 4 inches of snow is very real. No matter what you are told, if the ground is wet, use extreme caution. I will put out a road report in the morning once we see what Mother Nature actually decided to do overnight.
• Timing:
○ Beginning this evening and continuing overnight into the morning hours.
• Olaf Index Snow: 5
○ Expected snowfall totals of 3 to 4 inches possible in the West Windsor and Trenton area.
○ Snow may mix with sleet or rain at times, creating that lovely “what is this stuff?” consistency.
○ Olaf reminds everyone that even light and fluffy snow still requires shoveling.
○ Tomorrow you will have to Engage the Teen-Age Shovel App. This requires actual teenagers, actual shovels, and some form of negotiation involving snacks or future favors. Fluffernutter as a Teen fuel source is recommended. (Sugar, Peanut butter & Carbs Carbs Carbs!)
○ Please remember to shovel your sidewalks as required by local ordinance. Olaf has checked and confirmed that snow does not magically remove itself by morning. And while you are out there, if your house is next to a fire hydrant, please shovel it clear. The time you save the firefighters may just save a life.
• Dorothy and Toto Index Wind: 3
○ Winds will be light to moderate, but enough to make it feel colder than you planned for.
○ Some blowing snow possible in open areas.
○ Dorothy advises holding onto your hat. Toto is fine going out to take care of business. Small dogs may need some preshoveling before they go. Image sitting in snow when you have to go. Burrrrrrrrrr!.
• Elsa Index Ice and Cold: 3
○ Ice potential is limited, but any untreated surfaces may become slick, especially where rain changes over to snow.
○ Temperatures will drop overnight, allowing wet surfaces to freeze.
○ Elsa politely requests layers, hats, and gloves. Fashion can wait.
• Lightning McQueen Road Index: 5
○ Roads may become slippery, especially if snow accumulates on top of wet pavement.
○ Conditions may change quickly overnight.
○ Slow it down, increase following distance, and remember that arriving late beats not arriving at all.
○ A full road report will be issued in the AM and before I have my coffee!.
○ Please keep less experienced drivers off the road and home safe. You can keep them busy shoveling.
Preparedness:
- Township Property Owners are Responsible for Snow Removal on Sidewalks within 24 hours after the cease of snowfall per Municipal Code 152-18: https://ecode360.com/8061955
- Township Property Owners Shall not place snow or ice on Township Streets per Municipal Code 152-19: https://ecode360.com/8061956
- Please remove your vehicle from the street when snow is forecasted.
- Please avoid driving on during or immediately after a heavy snowstorm. The less traffic plow operators encounter, the more efficiently the roads can be cleared.
- Please place your garbage/recycling cans on your property and Not on/in street. Objects such as portable basketball hoops and hockey nets, etc. should be removed from the street to avoid being damaged by snow plows.
- DEP Weather Ready - https://www.nj.gov/dep/weatherready/
- Residents are encouraged to prepare for the storm by securing loose items, stocking up on food and needed supplies, charging your phones, tablets, and other mobile devices, and staying off the road during the storm period.
- Be mindful of the possibility of large tree limbs or trees falling due to wind gusts. There will likely be debris in roadways, use extra caution while driving after the storm subsides.
- Residents are urged to stay away from any downed wires, and treat all downed wires as “live” even if power appears to be out in the area.
- Prevention Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Do not run any fuel-powered generators in a garage or other enclosed space or near windows. This is a good time to test battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
For Further Details:
- Monitor the latest weather forecasts at www.weather.gov/okx
- Report non-emergent wires or trees down, or other non-emergency calls to West Windsor Police (609) 799-1222
- Report all Emergencies (wires down sparking, trees into homes or buildings, utility emergencies, cars trapped in water, etc) by calling 9-1-1.
- As a reminder, do not rely on email or social media to report these issues, even if they seem minor or non-emergent. Please always call the non-emergency number if you are concerned and don’t believe it is an emergency situation warranting a 9-1-1 call.
- Flooding Real-time Date https://opendata-njoem.hub.arcgis.com/pages/flooding
- Other Utility Contact Information:
- PSE&G 1-800-436-7734
- JCP&L 1-888-544-4877 (1-888-LIGHTSS)
- Comcast 1-800-266-2278 Website
- Verizon FiOS 1-888-438-3467 Website
- New Jersey American Water 1-800-272-1325 Website
- Carbon Monoxide
- Any gas appliance can be a source of carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas that deprives the body of oxygen, resulting in serious injury or death. Don't use a gas stove as a source of heat, as this increases the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the stove is vented to the outside and the vent it not blocked. Install a carbon monoxide detector in homes where gas appliances, including gas stoves, are being used.
