Here’s How Snow Forecast Is Impacting Newark

NEWARK, NJ — As New Jersey battens down amid a state of emergency, and weather forecasters call for a winter snowstorm on Wednesday, Newark officials are making their own preparations.

On Wednesday afternoon, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose announced that the city has joined the state of New Jersey and Essex County in declaring emergency status as a result of today’s snowstorm.

Newark officials activated a "Code Blue" alert, which is called when temperatures reach 25-degrees Fahrenheit or lower without precipitation or 32-degrees or lower with precipitation. Several local homeless shelters have partnered with the city to provide emergency sheltering, including Code Blue sheltering. For a list of participating shelters, click here.

According to a city advisory sent at 2:15 p.m.:

"Today’s forecast calls for snow, with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches possible. When shoveling snow, please keep it off fire hydrants and out of streets for the safety of motorists and emergency vehicles. Tonight, snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected, followed by all rain after midnight. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than one inch is possible. A 30 percent chance of rain is predicted for Thursday, before 7 a.m. Temperatures are expected to rise to near 50 degrees."

Newark officials also said that flooding is expected. Drivers were discouraged from traveling through any streets that are flooded, have high water or are believed to be flooded. Click here for a list of local streets that can experience flooding.

Residents were asked to observe signs reflecting the city’s “No Parking on Snow Covered Roadways” ordinance, which will be enforced. Newark residents may park in public school parking lots during Wednesday's snow emergency, officials said.

For all non-emergency weather-related matters, contact the Department of Public Safety at: (973) 733-6000. For weather updates, stay tuned to Government Access Channel 78 on Altice/Cablevision or Channel 28 on Fios or visit the city’s social media pages.

To report no heat or hot water in an apartment, call the Division of Code Enforcement at (973) 733-6471. For fire safety, utilize flashlights, instead of candles, should you lose electricity due to Wednesday's weather event, officials said.

• See related article: Hour-By-Hour Forecast Of NJ Winter Weather

SCHOOLS

The Newark Public School District had a 1 p.m. early dismissal on Wednesday due to the weather forecast. The central office closed at 2 p.m.

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