Full Notification

Cranbury Township Office of Emergency Management 

MAJOR WINTER STORM THIS WEEKEND 

During this past week the Office of Emergency Management and the Cranbury Township Police Department have been meeting and preparing for a major winter storm to impact our community this weekend into the early morning hours of Monday. While the weather forecasts' final snow total amounts have varied, the storm's impact will be significant. The combination of at least 12 or more inches of snow with freezing rain and sleet will create multiple driving hazards. Our Department of Public Works is prepared, as well as the Cranbury Township Police Department, Cranbury EMS and the Cranbury Fire Department. Clean up to include plowing and clearing of sidewalks will continue far after the storm passes. 
Below is the latest information to date;
 
FORECAST:
Snow Starts:         Sunday 1 AM
Snow Ends:          Monday, early morning
The heaviest snowfall will take place Sunday morning into Sunday afternoon
Total snowfall: 12 to 14 + inches with mixing of freezing rain and sleet
 
IMPACTS: 

• Sunday’s road conditions will be extremely hazardous. Widespread road closures are to be expected.
• Monday's road conditions will be very difficult with plow crews working around the clock to clear the streets.
• Power outages are possible if widespread icing and or heavy snow occurs.  PSE&G and JCPL are prepared for this storm, as well as cable and internet service providers

PREPARATION: 
DPW – Cranbury Township Department of Public Works 

• All Employees will be utilized to clear the roadways
• Salt and plow vehicles are available
• NJ DOT and Middlesex County DOT will also be in and around the township on the responsible roadways 

 
POLICE

• Increased staffing levels on all shifts
• 24/7 coverage
• Activated Emergency Operations Center
• REMINDER............................................

When a travel ban is imposed during a winter emergency:
 

• “Nonessential travel” may be strongly discouraged and legally restricted on selected roads.                   
• Commercial vehicle bans are commonly used — restricting trucks, trailers, RVs, motorcycles, etc., on major highways to keep roads clear.
• Essential personnel and emergency responders are generally exempt — including medical services, utilities, and other critical workers.
• Violations can be enforced under the Emergency Management Act or traffic control statutes, and local/state police have discretion to enforce based on conditions.

FIRE
Cranbury Volunteer Fire Department

• Prepared to assist as needed
• On call throughout the duration of the storm

 
EMS
Cranbury First Aid Squad

• Prepared to assist as needed
• On call throughout the duration of the storm

COMMUNICATIONS
Storm and roadway updates will be issued by email and text through our Nixle platform.  Additional alerts may be issued as needed on the Township’s Facebook page

Parking Restrictions
While there are no special storm related parking restrictions throughout the township, residents are asked to remove their vehicles from the roadway if at all possible. Doing this will allow the roadways to be cleared faster by emergency services.
 
CLOSING
A majority of events scheduled around the town on Sunday may be cancelled, or locations closed. Either check your local listings or contact the event planner. 
 
Enforcement
While driving is not recommended during said storm, there are a few driving and clearing of snow requirements. 
 
What the Law Says (Title 39:4-77.1)
Duty to remove snow/ice before driving:

• Every driver of a motor vehicle in New Jersey must make all reasonable efforts to remove accumulated snow and ice from exposed surfaces of the vehicle before driving. “Exposed surfaces” includes the hood, trunk, windshield, windows, and roof (and for trucks, trailers, or intermodal containers).

Cranbury Sidewalk Snow & Ice Removal Law
§ 130-39. Snow and ice removal or treatment required.
Practical Summary

• ❄️ Within 48 hours after a storm/ice formation: Clear snow and ice from the full sidewalk in front of your    property.
• ? Do not throw snow onto streets or sidewalks: Placing snow from your driveway onto public walkways is prohibited.
• ? Warnings and fines: After two warnings, fines can accrue daily during a winter event.

Instructions:

See Instructions Above