Some Ocean County Roads 'Impassable' In Blizzard; Stay Home, Sheriff, Police Urge

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Authorities continue to urge Ocean County residents to stay off the roads as a blizzard continues to blanket the county on Saturday.

More than a foot of snow has fallen along the coast, and snow fall totals near a foot have been reported from inland parts of Ocean County as well, according to the National Weather Service.

In addition, the whipping winds that have led to the blizzard warning have created deep snowdrifts in many parts of the county. The blizzard warning is set to continue until 4 p.m. Saturday, the weather service said.

The weather service said snowfall reports of 16 inches have come from Manahawkin and Tuckerton, and reports of 14 inches have come from Toms River, Brick and Point Pleasant. In Manchester 13.5 inches of snow has been reported, and just under a foot was reported in Lakewood.

Drifting snow has made roads impassable. The Ocean County Sheriff's Office said drivers should stay off Route 539, where several vehicles have gotten stranded.

Route 539 runs from Route 9 in Tuckerton (where it is called North Green Street) through Stafford, Barnegat, Lacey and Manchester townships, crosses Route 70 and goes through Plumsted Township into Cream Ridge in Monmouth County. It has multiple names along the stretch, including Main Street, Warren Grove Whiting Road, Whiting New Egypt Road and Pinehurst Road, in Ocean County.

"The majority of our calls for service today have been disabled vehicles," the Toms River Police Department said. "Please stay off the roads and allow for plowing operations to continue to clear the roads. Toms River is 43 square miles and this is a large storm. Crews are doing everything they can to make our roads passable, please limit travel to emergencies only."

"Vehicles not equipped with 4-wheel drive are getting stuck," Brick Township police said. "We ask that everyone do their best to stay off the roads, especially those whose vehicles are not 4-wheel or all-wheel drive, until the storm has passed and the roads have been cleared."

The Toms River Office of Emergency Management said plowing is underway in Toms River.

"PLEASE STAY HOME. Only travel (drive) if it is an emergency," Toms River officials said. "Visibility is low, some roads are impassible, and others are very slick. Plowing operations are underway, and have been through the night. Please be patient."

"Although the band of heaviest snow has mostly pivoted off shore, areas of moderate snow continue across the coastal plains," a special weather statement from the National Weather Service said. "In addition, strong winds continue resulting in blowing snow and near white out conditions especially near the coast. Web cams near the coast indicate whiteout conditions. The conditions are expected to persist through at least late morning. Please stay off the roads as travel is strongly discouraged!"

"If you must travel, make sure you have winter survival kit in your car. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle," the statement said.

"Please allow our first responders to assist others by staying off the roads today!" the sheriff's office said.

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