Amid State of Emergency, Collingswood Expected to See Upwards of Eight Inches By Monday

Besides being in the middle of a New Jersey state of emergency Sunday, weather in Collingswood doesn't seem it will be better by Monday morning.

According to the official press release, Acting Gov. and Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney declared all of New Jersey to be in a state of emergency on Sunday.

"The first action I took as acting governor was to receive a complete briefing on the state's storm preparations from the state police, the commissioner of rransportation and the governor's chief of staff," said Sweeney in an official statement. "We have been monitoring the situation throughout the afternoon. Based on current conditions and the forecast I am declaring a state of emergency throughout New Jersey."

Sweeney urged residents around the state to remain at home.

"It is vital that police and public works crews are able to do their jobs. I urge all residents to take this declaration and this storm seriously, and to stay safe, stay home and stay off the roads," said Sweeney. "We will continue to monitor this storm with the help of our state police and transportation officials."

While the emergency spans the entire state, Collingswood's local forecast is also significantly dangerous.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Patrick O'Hara said Sunday's snow should keep accumulating in Collingswood until around midnight, resulting in around 8 inches later Monday morning.

"The heaviest snow is now in the process of winding down, pulling toward the northern part of the state," said O'Hara around 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening. "But in the Collingswood area, there should about 5 to 8 inches by tomorrow. Maybe 1 or 2 more inches than that."

While O'Hara said accumulation will stop around midnight tonight, he said that doesn't mean Collingswood residents should anticipate waking up to clear roads tomorrow morning.

"Even though accumulation should stop, already fallen snow will continue to blow around, making for bad conditions into Monday morning," he said.

According to O'Hara, snow will continue to blow and drift on-and-off throughout Monday—thanks to winds gusting at anywhere from 30 to 40 miles per hour.

"It's a good night to be inside," said O'Hara of Sunday evening. "The snow is kind of light, so shoveling shouldn't be much of a problem tomorrow, but when you go out, be prepared. The snow will have blown out into the roads by tomorrow, causing icy spots to form, so take care when driving at all on Monday."

And Collingswood Police agree that driving isn't the safest of options.

"Since we are expecting a large accumulation of snowfall, we are requesting that motorists refrain from going out on the roadways if the don't have to," said Police Lt. Glenn A. Prince Sunday evening. "If individuals must venture out, they are advised/requested to utilize extreme caution."

As of Sunday evening, while Prince said there were no parking restrictions during Collingswood's normal business hours, he cautioned against parking on Haddon Avenue and similar streets.

"Vehicles are never permitted to be left on the roadways between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.," Prince said, citing a borough ordinance that applies regardless of bad weather conditions. "Residents should refrain from parking on the roadways to assist in our plowing efforts."