Storm In West Orange: State Of Emergency, Schools Get Snow Day

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A local state of emergency continued in West Orange on Monday amid a winter storm that covered much of New Jersey.

State officials have imposed travel restrictions, and weather forecasters predict that a nor'easter could impact New Jersey well into Tuesday. Heavy snow is possible and winds could gust as high as 50 mph. More than an inch per hour could fall during the height of the storm, which could be anytime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service said. Read More: Timeline, Hour-By-Hour NJ Snow, Nor'easter Forecast

In West Orange, Mayor Robert Parisi offered residents a storm update on Sunday, noting that the town has declared a state of emergency.

The mayor said:

"Due to the approaching snowstorm, expected accumulation, and anticipated duration of the storm, the township has declared a state of emergency beginning at 8 p.m. on [Sunday]. There will be no garbage or recycling pickup Monday morning. The commuter jitney will not operate for the morning or afternoon service; commuters should look for updates regarding Tuesday’s scheduled service ... Essex County has closed all vaccination sites for [Monday]."

Parisi continued:

"With high winds forecasted, residents may experience power outages…All power outages should be reported to PSEG by calling 1-800-436-7734 or by texting OUT…O-U-T…to 47734. We remind all residents to stay home and off the roads. Please do not park on municipal roads, whenever possible, as parked cars make it more difficult to clear the streets and please do not shovel snow into the streets."

"This storm will present challenges and create delays," the mayor said. "Be patient. It will take time to properly clear the roads from this anticipated accumulation of snow."

• See related article: Crash On I-280 In West Orange Amid Storm Warnings

Parisi issued an update as conditions worsened on Monday evening.

"The township continues to be in a declared State of Emergency as this storm is expected to continue through the night with more accumulation and high winds. There will be no garbage or recycling pickup, again, tomorrow, Tuesday morning. The commuter jitney will not operate for tomorrow morning’s or afternoon service; commuters should look for updates regarding Wednesday’s scheduled service. The West Orange Schools will be closed tomorrow for a snow day with no virtual learning scheduled. Essex County has closed all Vaccination Sites again for tomorrow."

"We remind all residents to continue to stay home and off the roads," Parisi added. "Please do not park on municipal roads, whenever possible, as parked cars make it more difficult to clear the streets and please do not shovel snow into the streets."

WEST ORANGE SCHOOLS

The West Orange Schools conducted a virtual-only school day on Monday.

School district facilities will remain closed on Tuesday, which will be a "traditional snow day" without any virtual instruction, Superintendent Scott Cascone said.

Cascone wrote:

"I hope this finds you well, warm, safe and sound amidst this, hopefully, once in a season storm. Please be advised that the school district facilities will remain closed on February 2. Further, tomorrow will be a traditional snow day, and virtual instruction will not take place. Although at this time, other than a large accumulation of snow, our facilities and township remain in relatively good shape, additional snowfall, dropping temperatures, and gusting winds over the course of the night bring with them the possibilities of power outages and unsafe conditions. The focus for our families and staff at this time should be remaining safe and tending to our families and homes."

Cascone continued:

"I will continue to monitor the status and conditions of the township’s roads and of our facilities and provide an update to the community tomorrow afternoon with regard to the mode of operation for our school district for Wednesday, February 3. As was the case today, childcare programs will not take place and we will attempt to offer an emergency food pick up between 2 and 4 p.m. tomorrow at the high school and Washington school. If we are unable to do this due to the conditions, an update will be sent out. I thank you in advance for your time and consideration, and wish you a good and safe evening."

SNOW REMOVAL

Meanwhile, the West Orange Police Department offered local residents some snow-related advice on Monday.

Police stated:

"The DPW will need YOUR help in getting our streets cleared of snow over the next few days. Anytime we get hit with such ridiculous amount of snow, the smaller streets on the eastern side of town become a real hazard. Please know that if a plow can’t clear your street, then a fire truck, ambulance, police truck and most importantly, an Amazon delivery truck or the pizza guy will not be able to make it up your street. Snow removal begins Tuesday from 3 to 11 p.m. and all day Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. If needed, we’ll go again Thursday. Our WOPD officers will be doing our best to knock on doors and let you know, but please help us out by having your vehicles already cleaned off and ready to be moved. Any questions about your specific road, you can call DPW at 973-325-4160."

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