More snow is possibly in the future for South Jersey municipalities Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. This would be the third snowstorm in about a week and a half for the region.
The National Weather Service out of Philadelphia has issued a “Winter Storm Watch” for South Jersey. The warning means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice in the area during the watch.
Upwards of 100 Camden County Department of Public Works, partner agency and contractor trucks will be working to clear county roads as snow is expected to blanket the area later this afternoon and continue tonight before tapering off to flurries Wednesday morning. Snow accumulations of five to eight inches are expected across portions of Camden County, with accumulations of up to one-inch per hour at times overnight.
In Cherry Hill, local DPW crews will begin pretreating around 5:30 p.m. and will remain on duty through the morning rush to keep roads clear, and the Cherry Hill Public Library has announced they will be closing at 7:30 p.m.
“While crews will be out making roads passable, the predicted high winds could cause significant snow blowing and drifting,” said Freeholder Ian Leonard, liaison to the Department of Public Works. “Roads through open areas could become snow covered again almost immediately.”
The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly has issued a winter storm warning in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday. A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow are expected, making travel very hazardous or impossible. If you need to travel, use extra caution on side roads and while crossing bridges and other elevated surfaces.
“Motorists should remain cautious for ice on roadways, although brining the roads ahead of time has been a huge benefit,” said Freeholder Leonard. “Crews have been pre-treating county roads, bridges and major intersections since 7 a.m. yesterday. In addition, all district supervisors will be prepared for downed trees with chain saws.”
Camden County Health Officer Robert Smith has extended the “Code Blue” severe weather alert for Camden County for tonight, Jan. 10, through Thursday, Jan. 13, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night.
The Camden County Office of Emergency Management has advised all Municipal Coordinators that it would be appropriate to open warming centers during the code blue. Each municipality in Camden County has identified their own location to accommodate those in their community seeking shelter from the severe weather.
“During these weather emergencies, we encourage everyone to check on elderly or handicapped relatives or neighbors that live alone,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “It is important that those among the most vulnerable are not be left without heat or electricity.”
Persons seeking warming center locations should contact their local municipality.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program that assists qualified households pay for heating costs. Applications are accepted from November 1 through April 30. LIHEAP is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs 1–800–510–3102.
If you see a problem on a county road, please call 566–2980 to report it. If you have problems with a local road, please call your municipality.
