Winter Storm May Dump 15+ Inches Of Snow On Maplewood-South Orange: What To Know

MAPLEWOOD-SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Get ready to break out those snow shovels in Maplewood and South Orange, weather forecasters say.

A severe winter storm is expected to hit the region this weekend. Forecasts have shifted, but the latest predictions call for up to 18 inches of snow in some parts of New Jersey. Most of the snowfall is expected to happen from Saturday night to Monday.

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The Maplewood-South Orange area is currently under a Hazardous Weather Outlook. In addition, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday morning to Monday evening.

Maplewood and South Orange may see between seven and 11 inches of snow accumulation during the daytime hours on Sunday, with another two to four inches possible that evening. More snow is likely on Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Here’s the local forecast for Maplewood and South Orange, according to the NWS:

• Saturday: Increasing clouds and cold, with a high near 18. Wind chill values between -5 and 5. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.
• Saturday Night: Snow likely after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 12. Wind chill values between 5 and 10. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
• Sunday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 24. Northeast wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.
• Sunday Night: Snow. Steady temperature around 22. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
• Monday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
• Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 7.

Each town has issued local updates about the storm, including advisories about parking, snow removal and more.

MAPLEWOOD

The Maplewood Township’s Office of Emergency Management shared the following information and resources.

SNOW REMOVAL: Our Dept. of Public Works department is prepared with 30 employees, 9 dump trucks, 25 plow trucks, 3 tractors for paths and sidewalks, and other heavy equipment. We are stocked with 500 tons of salt. Maplewood Police Department and the South Essex Fire Department are also prepared with personnel and snow-ready equipment. Snow operations are likely to begin in the early morning hours on Sunday (1/25) and last into Monday (1/26). Crews will salt roadways prior to and during the early hours of the storm, and will switch to plowing operations once 2 inches has accumulated. Plowing will continue throughout the storm with multiple passes on each roadway, so driveway aprons may be impacted multiple times.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS: Overnight, on-street parking is prohibited between 2:00 am and 6:00 am on Sunday (1/25) or between 2:00 am and 6:00 am on Monday (1/26). This includes those with overnight parking permits. Once streets are snow-covered and until roadways are fully cleared, parking is prohibited on the street listed in our Township Code, linked here: https://ecode360.com/9422293.

STREETS, SIDEWALKS & HYDRANTS: Remember to clear your sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours from the end of the snowfall or formation of ice. Use sand or salt on ice that cannot be removed. Also, it is unlawful to place, plow, or deposit snow or ice into a roadway that has already been plowed. Please clear snow from 3 feet around any fire hydrant on your property.

RECYCLING: Next week’s recycling collection (FIBERS!) will be pushed back one day (Monday’s route gets picked up Tuesday, and so forth).

NJ TRANSIT & JITNEY: For NJ Transit service changes related to the storm, check in with NJ Transit website. Any impact to Monday’s Jitney services will be announced Sunday evening.

PSE&G: PSE&G has released this comprehensive press release filled with tips, resources & more. Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to 4PSEG (47734), through our app, on our website at pseg.com/myaccount, or call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).

TOWNSHIP EVENTS & PROGRAMMING: If you plan to attend any programming in Municipal buildings, please check in with the host group or organization (e.g. Maplewood Strollers, Girl Scouts, Mapso Basketball, etc.) before attending.

CODE BLUE: Any resident in need of a heating center overnight can take refuge at the Municipal Court/Police Headquarters (1618 Springfield Avenue). Visitors will be directed to the court room until the overnight warming center at the Maplewood Community Center is open and staffed, and residents can be transported over. Residents may also call Maplewood Police Department to report others who are without adequate heat or shelter and may need assistance. Find more at www.maplewoodnj.gov/residents/code-blue.

MPD & NIXLE ALERTS: Nixle Police Alerts are issued from the Maplewood Police Department (MPD). Sign up here. As always, in emergency situations, dial 911. For non-emergency police matters, contact the Maplewood Police Department at 973-762-1234.

SOUTH ORANGE

The South Orange Office of Emergency Management has declared a snow emergency ahead of the storm.

Here's what to know, the OEM said:

Street Parking Prohibited

6:00 PM Saturday, January 24, 2025 – 12:00 PM Monday, January 26, 2025

Residents must remove vehicles from all residential streets before 6:00 PM. Vehicles remaining on the street will be ticketed and/or towed. Any resident that is currently listed for on street parking permission with the SOPA/SOPD due to home renovations, construction, dumpster in driveway, etc. Are required to relocate their vehicles to the Third Street Garage.

Parking Options

On-street permit holders should relocate vehicles to:

• Third & Valley Garage
• Nearest municipal parking lot

Do not park vehicles in school parking lots as these are not municipal lots.

Driving Advisory

Travel is strongly discouraged during the storm. If you must drive:

• Reduce speed and increase following distance (8–10 seconds)
• Use headlights (low beams in snow)
• Give snowplows ample space—do not tailgate or pass
• If you skid: ease off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid
• Slow well before exit ramps—they may be icy
• If disabled, pull off safely, activate flashers, and seek shelter if needed

Emergency Alerts & Notifications

• Stay informed by subscribing to South Orange Alerts & Notifications: http://www.southorange.org/610/SO-Alerts

Resident Responsibilities

• Clear sidewalks within 12 daylight hours after snowfall
• Do NOT shovel snow into streets — this is prohibited and subject to summons, fines, and court appearance
• Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible
• Do not stretch extension cords across roadways
• Snow removal is permitted overnight

Commercial Property Owner/Tenant Responsibilities

• Clear sidewalks within 4 daylight hours after snowfall
• Do NOT shovel snow into streets — this is prohibited and subject to summons, fines, and court appearance
• Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible
• Do not stretch extension cords across roadways
• Snow removal is permitted overnight

Police Reminders

• Remember to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before driving, especially from the hood, windows, and roof. This is required by New Jersey law. Icy road conditions contribute to approximately 500 fatalities each year in the United States. Motorists who fail to do so may be fined $25–$75 per offense, regardless of whether the ice or snow becomes dislodged. If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury, fines increase to $200–$1,000 per offense.
• Do not leave vehicles running unattended
• Avoid downed power lines—call emergency services
• Report fallen trees blocking roads: 973-763-3000 (Option 0)
• While sledding is a fun winter activity, the South Orange Police Department will be enforcing parking violations on N. Ridgewood Road and surrounding streets near Flood’s Hill to ensure safety and keep roadways clear.
• Do not build any ramps or snow piles on Flood's Hill! It is not safe to do.

Power Outages

• Report outages to PSE&G: 1-800-436-7734
• View outage map
• Please check on elderly neighbors or residents with special needs during outages.

Non-Emergency Requests

Limit 911 calls to life-threatening emergencies only. Non-emergency issues may be reported via:

• Report a Concern
• GovAlert mobile app

Non-priority requests may be delayed. For winter storm preparedness tips, visit southorange.org. Please remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and stay safe.

COLD WEATHER COMING IN ESSEX COUNTY

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. held an emergency snow preparedness meeting at the Turtle Back Zoo on Thursday, outlining the county’s plan to respond to the storm and coordinate with local municipalities.

“Although it is too early to determine how much snow we will get, the accumulation could be significant, and it could be the biggest storm we have experienced since 2021,” DiVincenzo said.

Meanwhile, Essex County has enacted a “Code Blue” alert ahead of the storm, which began Thursday evening and will continue until 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Here’s what happens during a Code Blue, officials say:

“When a Code Blue is declared, a network of warming stations operated by the county and its municipalities and shelters operated by the community-based organizations will be opened. The warming stations identified include a variety of public libraries, senior centers, civic and community centers, school buildings, houses of worship, firehouses and first aid squad buildings. Warming stations are generally opened during the day and may not provide overnight accommodations. Shelters do provide overnight accommodations. In addition, shelters that regularly require occupants to leave during the day will suspend that practice so people can stay indoors.”

View a list of participating shelters below, visit www.NJ211.org or dial 2-1-1.

“The cold temperatures and inclement winter weather puts the health and safety of our homeless residents are risk,” Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones said.

“We appreciate our partner agencies opening their doors to provide a warm and safe place for those in need,” Jones added.

• See Related: Snow Shoveling Can Be Deadly, NJ Cardiologist Cautions

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