Montclair Prepares For Blizzard: Closures, Parking, Trash, Snow Shoveling

MONTCLAIR, NJ — New Jersey is under a state of emergency as a severe winter storm bears down on the state, including Montclair.

The National Weather Service is predicting that up to two feet of snow may fall in Montclair on Sunday and Monday (see local forecast below). Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s state of emergency declaration took effect at noon on Sunday.

“I am announcing speed restriction of 35 miles-per-hour, which will take effect at 3 p.m.,” Sherrill said. “A commercial vehicle ban will also take effect at 3 p.m. [Sunday] on all our highways – except the Turnpike.”

>> READ MORE: Highway Speed Restrictions, Travel Bans In Place As Brutal Blizzard Barrels Into NJ

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Montclair, with a Blizzard Warning for the township lasting until 6 p.m. on Monday.

Here’s the 48-hour local forecast for Montclair, as per the NWS:

Sunday Afternoon - Snow. High near 36. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. East wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday Night - Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Areas of blowing snow after 10pm. Low around 28. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Windy, with a north wind 20 to 25 mph increasing to 27 to 32 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 11 to 17 inches possible.

Monday - Snow, mainly before 1pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Areas of blowing snow before 4pm. High near 34. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Windy, with a north wind 22 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Monday Night - Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 20. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Blustery, with a northwest wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

MONTCLAIR BATTENS DOWN THE HATCHES

The Montclair Office of Emergency Management said it is closely monitoring the winter storm.

“Department of Community Service crews are mobilized and will begin pre-treating township roadways in advance of snowfall,” officials reported. “Crews will continue operations throughout the duration of the storm.”

Here are some other things to know in Montclair ahead of the snowfall:

CLOSURES AND CANCELLATIONS

Montclair Township municipal offices at 205 Claremont Avenue will be closed to the public on Monday, Feb. 23. The Planning Board meeting originally scheduled for Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. is canceled.

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING

Refuse and recycling collection will be cancelled for Monday, Feb. 23.

PARKING

Need to find a place to park? Here’s what to know, Montclair town officials said:

• Parking is prohibited on either side of any public street when snow has covered the roadway sufficiently to obscure road markings. Vehicles parked on snow-covered streets are subject to ticketing and towing.
• There will be no on-street parking throughout the Township from 10:00 AM Sunday through 9:00 AM Tuesday. Maintaining the parking restriction through Tuesday morning will allow DCS crews to fully clear roadways and sidewalks curb-to-curb, address intersections and crosswalks, and prevent the formation of hazardous snow banks. This additional time helps ensure safe pedestrian access, proper drainage, and improved visibility for motorists.
• Free parking will be available in all Township surface lots and the Midtown Parking Deck beginning 9:00 AM Sunday, February 22. The Crescent, Fullerton, and Bay Street parking decks are not included.

SHOVELING SNOW

Montclair officials reminded property owners that they are responsible for clearing snow and ice from:

• Sidewalks adjacent to their property
• Curb ramps bordering their property
• Storm drains along their frontage
• A minimum of three feet of clearance around fire hydrants. Clearing these areas promptly helps ensure pedestrian safety, proper drainage, and emergency access throughout the township.

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