Winter Storm Targets Wayne: See Latest Forecast, Preparations

WAYNE, NJ — Public safety officials are hunkering down for what forecasters are expecting to be a major storm this weekend.

A shift in the weekend storm track will see most of New Jersey hit with 12 to 18 inches of snow as the threat of ice increases, according to the latest forecast.

Major impacts, including heavy snow and ice, are expected, the National Weather Service said in a Friday morning briefing.

Wayne officials have issued reminders to residents of what to do during snow fall events:

• During times of active snowfall the snow desk is manned for questions/complaints 973-694-6909 ext-4310
• Parking on Roads is PROHIBITED. Parked cars restrict snow removal and could be damaged by passing snow plows & salt trucks.
• Residents are urged to restrict travel, to allow salt trucks & plows to remove snow from roads safely.

Wayne officials are also offering tips on how to handle frozen pipes:

• Cold weather & icy temps can cause water pipes & meters to freeze. Be sure everyone knows how to shut off the water into your home, which is usually at the water meter.
• If your meter is frozen call the Water Division at 973-694-5090 Mon – Fri 7:00 am – 3:30 pm All other hours call police at 973-694-0600
• Seal drafty cracks in basement, garage or crawl space where water pipes & meter are. Keep doors & windows shut tightly & provide adequate heat to these areas.
• Insulate all exposed water pipes, using pipe insulation or even several layers of newspapers. Insulate your water meter.
• If you have a frozen pipe, try to thaw by carefully using an electric heater, hair dryer or heating pad. DO NOT use direct flame or boiling water. This can break the pipe.

Parents should also keep an eye on the Wayne Township School District's website for updates on closures and delays on Monday.

The Forecast

Below is this weekend's weather forecast in Wayne, provided by the National Weather Service:

Saturday night: A 50 percent chance of snow after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 10. Calm wind.

Sunday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 22. Light northeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.

Sunday Night: Snow. Steady temperature around 20. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Monday: Snow likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Monday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 6. Snow expected to taper off.