Winter Storm May Dump 16+ Inches Of Snow On West Orange: What To Know

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Get ready to break out those snow shovels in West Orange, weather forecasters say.

A severe winter storm is expected to hit the region this weekend. Forecasts have shifted, but the latest predictions call for up to 18 inches of snow in some parts of New Jersey. Most of the snowfall is expected to happen from Saturday night to Monday.

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The West Orange area is currently under a Hazardous Weather Outlook. In addition, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday morning to Monday evening.

West Orange may see between seven and 11 inches of snow accumulation during the daytime hours on Sunday, with another three to five inches possible that evening. More snow is likely on Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Here’s the local forecast for West Orange, according to the NWS:

• Saturday: Increasing clouds and cold, with a high near 17. Wind chill values between -10 and zero. Northwest wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
• Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of snow after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 11. Wind chill values between 5 and 10. North wind around 6 mph.
• Sunday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 22. Northeast wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.
• Sunday Night: Snow. Temperature rising to around 22 by 1am. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• Monday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
• Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 6.

WEST ORANGE PREPARES FOR SNOW

West Orange township officials issued a safety reminder to local residents ahead of the storm, saying that snow and ice can create dangerous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.

"Slow down when driving, allow extra travel time, and be mindful of icy roads and sidewalks," officials advised. Other suggestions included dressing warmly in layers during extreme cold, using caution when shoveling, and checking on neighbors who may need assistance.

West Orange town officials also asked residents to help the local fire department clear snow and ice from around fire hydrants. Residents with a hydrant near their homes are asked to keep a three-foot area shoveled around it, so first responders can access it quickly in an emergency.

Garbage and recycling pickups have been canceled on Monday, Jan. 26 due to the snowstorm.

Local jitney bus service is also canceled for Monday, Jan. 26.

The opening of the West Orange Classic Film Festival scheduled for Jan. 25 has been cancelled due to the anticipated snow storm this weekend. A new date will be announced, officials noted.

COLD WEATHER COMING IN ESSEX COUNTY

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. held an emergency snow preparedness meeting at the Turtle Back Zoo on Thursday, outlining the county’s plan to respond to the storm and coordinate with local municipalities.

“Although it is too early to determine how much snow we will get, the accumulation could be significant, and it could be the biggest storm we have experienced since 2021,” DiVincenzo said.

Meanwhile, Essex County has enacted a “Code Blue” alert ahead of the storm, which began Thursday evening and will continue until 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Here’s what happens during a Code Blue, officials say:

“When a Code Blue is declared, a network of warming stations operated by the county and its municipalities and shelters operated by the community-based organizations will be opened. The warming stations identified include a variety of public libraries, senior centers, civic and community centers, school buildings, houses of worship, firehouses and first aid squad buildings. Warming stations are generally opened during the day and may not provide overnight accommodations. Shelters do provide overnight accommodations. In addition, shelters that regularly require occupants to leave during the day will suspend that practice so people can stay indoors.”

View a list of participating shelters below, visit www.NJ211.org or dial 2-1-1.

“The cold temperatures and inclement winter weather puts the health and safety of our homeless residents are risk,” Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones said.

“We appreciate our partner agencies opening their doors to provide a warm and safe place for those in need,” Jones added.

• See Related: Snow Shoveling Can Be Deadly, NJ Cardiologist Cautions

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