Camden County Combats 'Bomb Cyclone' Thursday

Roads remained snow covered and slippery following a snow storm that blasted the region early Thursday morning. Plows are attempting to keep roadways clear. Residents are asked to remove cars from the roadway if possible to allow proper plowing. County plows have been deployed to all 12 winter weather districts.

"Our public works crews are braving the continued snowfall and wind gusts to keep roadways passable across Camden County. The latest forecast is calling for the snow to taper off by 4 p.m. after delivering up to a half foot of snow to our area," Camden County Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, liaison to the Public Works Department, said in a statement released by the county Thursday morning. "Anyone on the roadways this morning should be prepared to encounter low visibility and slick road conditions and significant delays. We ask that motorists leave at least six car lengths behind our trucks while they work and to pull vehicles off the roadway and into driveways."

High, dangerous winds are expected throughout day. A Code Blue remains in effect countywide.

"If you are able to work from home today please do and if you need to go into work please consider taking public transportation," Shin Angulo said. "Residents need to take into account the weather is still frigid and that is important to check on your neighbors and ensure pets are not outside during this storm for a prolonged period of time. Furthermore, homeowners need to take precautions against freezing pipes and other challenges directly related to this blast of arctic air."

There aren’t too many places to go, even for those who can get out of their homes. On Thursday afternoon, it was announced that all Camden County offices and departments were closed. Earlier, it was announced that classes at Camden County College were cancelled, and that the Camden County Animal Shelter and Camden County Prosecutor's Office were closed.

Camden County offers assistance to senior citizens and disabled residents who are unable to remove significant amounts of snow accumulation from their properties.

"The snow removal program is available to help seniors and disabled individuals get out of their homes for necessities such as prescriptions or medical appointments," Camden County Freeholder Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Department of Corrections, said. "The program uses Camden County Jail inmates who are carefully screened, non-violent offenders who are guarded at all times on the job site by corrections officers."

• The Snow Removal Program will go into effect only after 4 inches of snow has fallen on the ground in our area.
• At-risk senior and disabled residents can contact the Camden County Division of Emergency Management at 856-783-4808, ext. 5060 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Calls for snow removal will not be taken until after it has stopped snowing.
• Work Crews will be dispatched only after it has stopped snowing. The work crews will remove snow only during daylight hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Crews will respond to calls in the order they are received and will service as many residents as possible each day. There are no guaranteed times when the crews will arrive at a residence.
• Senior and Disabled residents must call after each substantial snowfall to request this service.

The Department of Corrections will supply the needed equipment. The program does not supply salt or ice-melting chemicals, but crews will dispense them if supplied by residents. Contact and conversation between the inmates and the public are prohibited. Gratuities and gifts or money, food, drink or any other item is strictly prohibited.

In the event that the weather causes isolated power outages, please remember to immediately call your utility company so they can identify the location and coordinate crews to restore your power. This storm has the potential to bring down trees and power lines. Residents need to be extra cognizant of any power failures. Below are numbers and contact info for the two power providers in Camden County:

• PSE&G: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
• PSEG website: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp
• Atlantic City Electric: 1-800-833-7476; http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/
• South Jersey Gas: 1-800-582-7060
• South Jersey Gas website: http://southjerseygas.com/

As always, use 911 for emergencies only. Anyone who sees a problem on a county road is asked to call the 24-hour hotline at 856-566-2980to report it to the Camden County Department of Public Works.

Patch will provide more updates as they become available.

See related: New Jersey School Closings/Delays List- 1/4/18

See related: 'Bomb Cyclone' Arrives In New Jersey: Latest Updates, Snow Totals

Patch file photo