Morristown Road Crew 'Really Ready' for Thanksgiving Eve Nor'easter

They don’t want it to happen, but it was inevitable.

The first storm of the season (though it’s still fall) is here for the Morristown Department of Public Works, and the group is as ready as ever.

“After what we went through last winter, we’re really, really ready,” said DPW Director Jeff Hartke.

The National Weather Service says a nor’easter is barreling into New Jersey and will last throughout the day Wednesday, as more than a million motorists are expected to hit the roads for Thanksgiving.

There’s some worry, but more confidence as Hartke and crew plan for the weather event.

“I’m a little concerned about wet snow sitting on branches that still have leaves on them, but otherwise I think [the storm] will come and go pretty quickly,” Hartke said.

Hartke’s afternoon weather update showed Morristown can expect between one and three inches of snow, coming after rain that will begin falling around 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Because of that initial rain and the warmer temperatures overnight – Hartke expects a low of 39 degrees – the department won’t be pre-treating the roads with salt.

The higher temperatures this week give crews an advantage, as accumulations will take longer to grow. Either way, if the storm brings more than anticipated, Hartke said the crew is ready to be split and work around the clock if necessary, and a tree crew is on standby to handle any major arbor issues.