Snowstorm Rocks Essex County: How Were Your Town's Schools, Roads Impacted?

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Well, you knew it had to happen sometime this winter, Essex County.

On Thursday, North Jersey residents found themselves waking up to gusty winds that reached up to 40 mph in parts of the state and gathering layers of snow that were predicted to reach six to 12 inches by the end of the storm.

• See related article: N.J. Snow Update: Snow Totals, Speed Restrictions, 50 Accidents And More

According to the New Jersey State Police, Thursday’s weather-related havoc had already caused almost 150 accidents throughout the Garden State by the time morning rush hour was done.

• See related article: Essex County Code Blue; Homeless Residents Offered Shelter From Cold

In Essex County, as the wicked weather arrived, facilities and places of work throughout the county chose to take the day off rather than tempt Old Man Winter. Take a look at a partial list of some of the shutdowns below.

BELLEVILLE

The Belleville Public School District was closed on Thursday due to the weather.

BLOOMFIELD

The Bloomfield Public School District was closed on Thursday due to the weather.

Bloomfield town officials issued the following statement on Thursday at 10:15 a.m.:

“Snow is falling at a rate of 2-plus inches an hour and we are doing our best to get all the main artery's, followed by our secondary roads, passable. We will do our best to eventually get all our roads plowed curb to curb if cars are not in the way. Please note garbage and recycling are on for tomorrow as scheduled, but if possible, please do not put any garbage cans or recycling containers out until later this evening (once your street has been plowed). Our Facebook page is for informational purposes only, so please contact us directly at 973-680-4127 if you have any questions or concerns.”

CALDWELL

All Caldwell-West Caldwell public schools were closed on Thursday, Feb. 9.

The Caldwell Police Department stated that garbage and recycling pickup that was scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 9 will be rescheduled for Friday, Feb. 10.

Caldwell University was closed on Thursday, Feb. 9, due to the weather. All classes and activities were cancelled for Thursday.

CEDAR GROVE

All Cedar Grove schools were closed Thursday, and all after school activities were also canceled.

LIVINGSTON

Livingston students and parents got this message from the district’s school administrators on Wednesday evening:

“No need for kids to sleep with spoons under their pillows tonight – (for those not in the know, a kids’ trick for making it snow) – we’re already calling a Snow Day for Thursday, Feb. 9. The weather forecast is calling for up to a foot of snow, beginning overnight through Thursday afternoon. All day and evening activities in Livingston Public Schools have been canceled. The parent program “Helping Teens Develop Healthy Coping Skills” has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 at Heritage Middle School. Enjoy your day off from school.”

MAPLEWOOD

Due to the snowstorm, Maplewood Township's municipal offices were closed on Thursday, Feb. 9.

The South Orange-Maplewood Public School District was closed on Thursday, Feb. 9, due to the snow.

MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS

Millburn Township Public Schools were closed Thursday, Feb. 9, due to the snowstorm.

In addition, the Mall At Short Hills was also closed Thursday, with plans to reopen Friday.

MONTCLAIR

On Wednesday afternoon, the Montclair Office of Emergency Management (OEM) declared a local state of emergency, effective midnight on Thursday.

Due to the state of emergency declared by the Montclair OEM, all programs and activities scheduled for the Edgemont Park House for Senior Activities were suspended Thursday, Feb. 9. Activities will resume as regularly scheduled on Friday, Feb. 10. Contact the Montclair Health Department at 973-509-4970 for more information

Due to the snowstorm, the Montclair Senior Bus was canceled for Thursday, Feb. 9. Call EZ Ride with any questions regarding the Senior Bus at 201-939-4242, ext. 1.

Montclair State University officials closed the university on Thursday for day classes and activities. A decision will be made at 1 p.m. regarding classes and activities starting at 5:30 p.m., officials stated.

Updates will be posted on the university website and sent by email, officials said.

NEWARK

Port Authority officials began alerting Newark Airport commuters about possible delays on Wednesday, stating in a Twitter alert that roadways around the airport may be hazardous and congested due to the weather.

“Northeast weather conditions disrupting flight activity,” Port Authority officials wrote. “Contact your carrier to determine flight status before heading to #EWR Airport.”

Due to severe weather forecast, all Newark public schools and the central office were closed Thursday, Feb. 9. All after school and evening activities were also canceled.

Essex County College was closed Thursday, Feb. 9 due to the snowstorm.

The New Jersey Institute of Technology closed its administrative offices and canceled all morning and afternoon classes on Thursday, Feb. 9. Classes beginning after 6 p.m. were planned to be held as scheduled, but college officials said they will monitor the weather and provide an update if that changes.

At Rutgers University’s Newark campus, all daytime and evening classes, campus activities and campus events were canceled Thursday, Feb. 9. Offices were also closed. For details including changes in services, click here.

Officials imposed a 45 mph speed restriction on the New Jersey Turnpike - Hudson County Extension in both directions from Interchange 14 - I-78 in Newark to Jersey Ave/Holland Tunnel in Jersey City due to roadway conditions and salting operations.

An accident was reported on the New Jersey Turnpike’s Eastern Spur southbound Interchange 15E - US 1&9 in Newark.

NUTLEY

Nutley Public Schools were closed Thursday due to the snow.

Nutley officials suspended garbage and recycling collection for Thursday, Feb. 9. Park and Recreation activities were also canceled.

SOUTH ORANGE

The South Orange-Maplewood Public School District was closed on Thursday, Feb. 9, due to the snow.

VERONA

All Verona Public Schools were closed on Feb. 9 due to the snow storm. All schools, athletics, and school sponsored activities were also cancelled.

WEST CALDWELL

All Caldwell-West Caldwell public schools were closed on Thursday, Feb. 9.

West Caldwell officials cancelled garbage / recycling pick up on Thursday. The make-up day will be Friday, Feb. 10.

“Please do not put your garbage/recycling to the curb [Thursday],” town officials asked.

WEST ORANGE

West Orange Public Schools were closed Thursday, Feb. 9.

West Orange town officials issued the following notice on Wednesday:

“Due to the timing of the impending snow storm; Garbage and Bulky Trash Collection are canceled for the Thursday, Feb. 9. It is predicted that snow will be heavy beginning 4 a.m. through midday causing a severe weather emergency. Please do not place garbage or bulky trash at the curb until the next appropriate collection day. Monday Garbage and Recycling and Thursday Garbage and Bulky Trash.”

Check back for snow updates and stay in the loop by signing up for Patch e-news alerts here. Got a winter weather photo or story you’d like to share? Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Livingston Township