Snowfall Could Exceed 14 to 20 Inches with Blizzard Conditions - Montgomery Township Public Works Is Prepared

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By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | Feb. 22

A major winter storm is forecast to impact Montgomery Township from Sunday, Feb. 22, through Monday, Feb. 23, with significant heavy snow, high winds, and potential blizzard conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

Total snowfall could exceed 14–20 inches, with the heaviest rates of 1–2 inches per hour occurring Sunday evening and with the heaviest accumulation through Monday morning. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management has issued a full travel ban on ALL New Jersey roadways, including State, County, and Local roads, beginning at 9 pm Sunday, Feb. 22, through 7 am Monday, Feb. 23. Only essential travel is permitted. Violators may be subject to enforcement.

Montgomery Public Schools, the Somerset County Library, and the Montgomery Municipal Building will all be closed on Monday.

Mayor Neena Singh said, "I had an opportunity to go and see first hand the preparation by our Department of Pubic Works crews today. It is going to be a tough night, we are grateful for their dedication in keeping our streets clear and our community safe during this historic snow storm. While the storm may pass, the effort behind the scenes by our DPW staff and first responders should not be forgotten , please remember to thank them!"

From left: Roads Foreman John Brown, Public Works Asst. Director Rich Dietrich, Department of Public Works Director Jeff Birkland, Mayor Neena Singh, and Building Foreman Mike Greco reported to work Sunday morning.

Photo courtesy of Montgomery Township.

"The Township has about 40 plow operators from public works, parks, and sewers and 20 contractors that will be working all night to keep up with the storm." — Mayor Neena Singh

There is also 1,000 tons of salt in the township's salt dome.

Main roads are always priority to ensure emergency vehicles can get through, the mayor said. Once the snow ends on Tuesday night, the township will have multiple machines and snow blowers running to groom public sidewalks and more roadways.

"This takes time and residents are reminded to be patient as we work our way throughout the township," she said. "Our EOC [Emergency Operations Center] has been activated. Sergeant Adam Verducci is leading our OEM and coordinating any resource requests from our first responders. This ensures faster and efficient response to any emergency."

"I urge all residents to stay home during the storm, don’t park on the street so that the plows can get through, and check on your friends and neighbors! We are Montgomery — we take care of each other!"