Westfield Snow Updates: 2 Jack-Knifed Tractor Trailers

WESTFIELD, NJ — As predicted, heavy snow has moved into the area. The snow has covered roads and is only expected to continue for several hours. Forecasters say since it is a heavy, wet snow, it could cause widespread power outages just days after Friday's storm knocked out electricity for thousands.

Here are the latest impacts the storm is having in the Westfield area:

• As of 6:42 p.m., there's a downed tree on I-78 westbound ramp to Exit 43 - CR 655/Diamond Hill Rd in Berkeley Heights Twp. Ramp closed and detoured.
• As of 6:41 p.m., there's a jack-knifed tractor trailer on I-78westbound area of Exit 43 - CR 655/Diamond Hill Rd in Berkeley Heights Twp. Right lane blocked 45-50 minute delay.
• As of 3:52 p.m., there's a downed tree on US 22 westbound at Glenside Av in Scotch Plains Twp. All lanes closed and detoured.
• As of 3:41 p.m., there's a downed tree on I-78 westbound area of East of Exit 50 - CR 630/Vaux Hall Rd in Union Twp. Right lane closed.
• Service is suspended on all NJ TRANSIT bus routes after 4:30 p.m. Cross-honoring is in effect for rail, bus and private carriers and light rail service Wednesday.
• Plowing in Westfield will begin shortly, police announced as of 2:30 p.m. As a result, parking restrictions will be enforced including: Section 13-16 Parking Prohibited: Whenever snow has fallen and there is an accumulation of three inches or more on any street, no vehicle shall be parked on any street in the Town of Westfield. This prohibition shall remain in effect until and after the snowfall has ceased and the street has been plowed following the cessation of the snowfall. Downtown residents who have “Nite Owl” permits are permitted to park in the long term spaces in Lot #4 (behind Baron’s Drugs) during snow events. Sec. 13-16.7 Alternate Side of Street Parking: Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13-16 to the contrary, the Westfield Police Department is authorized to permit alternate side of the street parking during or following snow storms. Should three inches of snow fall, the following locations are subject to alternate side of the street parking and vehicles need to park on the side of the street with odd house numbers: the 400 and 500 block of Downer Street, Livingston Street, Cacciola Place, and Cowperthwaite Place between Clark and Elm Streets. Residents along State and County roads are reminded that both the State of New Jersey and the County of Union prohibit parking on the roadways under their jurisdiction when they are snow covered.
• Fewer than 5 Westfield residents are without power as of 2:35 p.m., according to PSE&G.
• As of 2:19 p.m, there's a disabled vehicle on the Garden State Parkway northbound Exit 142B - I-78 West in Hillside Twp. Exit ramp closed until further notice., according to nj511.org.
• Union County residents are strongly advised to stay off the roads, to help reduce the chance of accidents, enable emergency responders to get through, and enable snow plows to operate more effectively.
• Residents should also ensure that emergency supplies are at hand including food, water, flashlights, first aid kits and any needed medicines or medical equipment. Make sure that cell phones are charged and get fresh batteries for portable radios.
• Home delivered meals and congregate meals are both suspended.
• The Union County Paratransit System will be available only for medical trips and the Route 22 Shuttle.
• The ASK senior outreach event at the Linden Public Library is cancelled. Visit the county website, ucnj.org, for other ASK events in March.
• The Wednesday Sheriff’s sale is cancelled.
• The “Branches Against Bullying” event is cancelled.
• Warinanco Sports Center, Trailside Museum and the Watchung Stables will all be closed.

Check back to this page for more local updates on the storm's impact. Share your snow photos and videos with Patch, email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com and include your name and town.

(Image by Victor Tarrazi: Union area.)

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