Winter Storm May Dump 16+ Inches Of Snow On Montclair: What To Know

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Get ready to break out those snow shovels in Montclair, 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 Montclair area is currently under a Hazardous Weather Outlook. In addition, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday morning to Monday evening.

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

Here’s the local forecast for Montclair, according to the NWS:

• Saturday: Increasing clouds and cold, with a high near 17. Wind chill values between -10 and zero. Northwest wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
• Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of snow after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 12. Wind chill values between 5 and 10. North wind around 6 mph.
• Sunday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 22. Northeast wind 8 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. Temperature rising to around 23 by 2am. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• Monday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
• Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 6.

MONTCLAIR PREPARES FOR SNOW

Montclair township administrators are warning local residents to batten down the hatches and sharing reminders about parking, shoveling and trash collection.

Here’s what to know ahead of the storm, town officials say:

Move Your Car – Snow Parking Rules in Effect at 8:00 AM Sunday

• Parking is prohibited on ALL township roads while roads are snow-covered. Please move your car from the road by 8:00 AM, Sunday, January 25.
• The restriction remains in effect for 12 hours after snowfall ends, per Township ordinance. The township will follow up with additional communications on the exact times when parking restrictions will be lifted.
• Vehicles parked on snow-covered streets may be ticketed and towed by the Montclair Police Department.
• If snow is covering the roadway, your car must be off the street.
• Safety Reminder: Please clear all snow off your car before driving. Snow and ice can break loose while driving and fall onto your windshield or onto vehicles around you, creating dangerous conditions. You can be stopped and ticketed for failure to clear snow from your vehicle.

Free Parking Options During the Storm

• Residents may park free of charge in municipal surface lots and the Midtown Parking Deck (202 Glenridge Ave). A map of municipal lots is on the website here.
• Free parking in these lots will be available until snow removal is complete. The township will follow up with additional communications on when free parking ends.
• Bay Street, Fullerton Roof, and Crescent Decks are not included in free storm parking.

Trash & Recycling

• Please do not place trash or recycling carts at the curb until after the storm has passed to allow for snow removal.
• Due to the incoming storm, there will be no refuse or recycling collection on Monday, Jan. 26. Collection will resume: Refuse (Section I): Thursday, Jan. 29 / Recycling (Area B): Monday, Feb. 2.

Stay Safe & Informed

• Monitor local weather forecasts for updates.
• Expect potential travel delays.
• Use caution when driving in snowy or icy conditions.
• Continue to check your e-mail, township Facebook and Instagram, or the township website for any follow-up information about the storm and parking rules.

Snow Removal Reminder & Rules

• Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks, driveways, fire hydrants, and storm drains adjacent to their property.
• Important reminder from the Fire Department: If you have a fire hydrant on your property, please clear the snow around it at least 3 feet in each direction, providing a clear path to the hydrant from the street. In an emergency, every second counts.
• Please do not shovel snow back into the street - it's unsafe and prohibited by township code.
• When to clear: Sidewalks must be cleared within 12 hours of daylight after snow stops falling. If ice can't be removed, treat it with salt or sand.
• How much to clear: Clear the full sidewalk width, or at least 48 inches to allow for safe pedestrian passage.
• Cleaning sidewalks and curb ramps is essential for people with disabilities, wheelchair users, seniors, and parents with strollers to travel safely through our community

Important Reminder

• 911 is for emergencies only.
• For non-emergency storm-related issues, call the Montclair Police Department at 973-744-1234.

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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