Freehold Prepares For Major Winter Storm: Latest Forecast, How To Prepare

FREEHOLD, NJ — Freehold residents are urged to prepare for a major winter storm that could bring over a foot of snow, icy roads and dangerously cold temperatures to the Garden State over the weekend.

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to impact the region from Saturday night through Monday morning.

In the Long Branch and greater Monmouth County area, forecasters are currently predicting around 12-18” of total snowfall.

On Friday afternoon, Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency in all 21 counties ahead of the storm, warning residents that this "is not an average storm."

• Read: Snow Total Projections Shift As Weekend Storm Arrives In NJ

Monmouth County is also under a Winter Storm Warning from Saturday night through Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.

“Heavy snow and some ice accumulation will make travel dangerous or impossible,” the National Weather Service said in its Friday afternoon briefing. “Expect widespread road closures and significant delays on major interstates and highways.”

Alongside heavy snow and ice accumulation, forecasters are also warning that a combination of heavy snow, followed by sleet/freezing rain and breezy northeast winds, could result in some isolated instances of downed trees and power lines as well as power outages.

To see the National Weather Service’s full winter storm briefing from Friday afternoon, you can click here.

As of Friday morning, the National Weather Service's forecast for Freehold is:

• Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 19. Wind chill values as low as -3. Northwest wind 5-10 MPH, with gusts as high as 20 MPH.
• Saturday Night: Snow likely after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 14. Northeast wind around 5 MPH. The chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1-2 inches possible.
• Sunday: Snow before 4 p.m., then snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 29. Northeast wind 10-15 MPH, with gusts as high as 30 MPH. The chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of 10-14 inches possible.
• Sunday Night: Snow and freezing rain, becoming all snow after 4 a.m. Low around 26. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch are possible.
• Monday: Snow likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. The chance of precipitation is 60%.
• Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 7.

Ahead of the storm, Freehold officials are advising residents to prepare early with the following steps:

In Freehold Borough, officials are also reminding residents to observe the “No parking when road is snow covered” signs, as violators will be subject to ticketing and towing.

Instead, officials are advising residents to park in their driveway, on an unposted street, or to park in a Borough Lot (free parking begins Saturday at 6 p.m. until Tuesday).

In Freehold Township, officials are also advising residents to prepare for the storm and help snow crews keep the roads safe with the following tips:

• No vehicles or personal property in roadways during snow events until plowing and salting are complete. If a vehicle poses a problem for plow operators it may be issued a summons and possibly towed.
• Do not push or blow snow into the street — all snow must remain on your property.
• Stay off the roads if possible during the storm.
• If travel is necessary, clear all snow and ice from your vehicle (including the roof) — NJ law.

"Thank you for doing your part to keep our roads safe and allow DPW crews to work efficiently," township officials said. "Please stay safe and monitor local updates as the storm approaches."

For those without shelter, a “Code Blue” alert has been extended in Monmouth County until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

• Read: ‘Code Blue’ Alert Extended In Monmouth County: Where To Find Shelter

“Code Blue” is put in place when temperatures drop below freezing (32 F), and conditions pose a threat to unsheltered individuals.

If you or someone you know does not have shelter in Monmouth County, they can go to:

• Monmouth County Division of Social Services
• Hope and Comfort Center
• Mercy Center
• The Feast NJ, Women’s Heart Warming Center
• Trinity Episcopal Church
• Lunch Break Inc.
• Monmouth County Library – Manalapan
• Monmouth County Library – Shrewsbury

You can also get help by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the NJ211 website.