Storm system bringing significant snow to Camden County
Camden County is diligently monitoring the developments of a forthcoming nor’easter that has all the key ingredients to deliver a significant amount of snow to our region starting on Friday night. In fact, the current storm track calls for a probable eight to 16 inches of snow or more. Preparations are already underway to respond to the inclement conditions that could be created by the approaching storm at the Department of Public Works.
“The storm track is showing a significant storm and sizable snow accumulation over Camden County. In anticipation of the worst, the department is working to fine tune its operation and get ready for a storm that could deliver up to two feet of snow. This will be an all hands on deck operation, we have cancelled vacations and will be utilizing every individual to combat this storm system,” said Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, liaison to the Camden County DPW. “Right now, if nothing changes in the storm track, it will be hitting the area Friday evening and continuing into Sunday morning. During the duration of this event employees will be on the job to keep roadways clear and have already preemptively been applying brine solution to the county roadways.”
As it stands the forecast calls for a developing nor’easter that will approach the region tomorrow night bringing snow and sleet into Saturday morning. Saturday’s forecast will contain periods of snow and sleet, strong winds from the northeast and north that will bring gusts up to 50 mph. Snow will taper off on Sunday morning and end around daybreak, but high winds will continue throughout the morning, but diminish after the noon hour.
At the public works complex in Lindenwold, more than 90 pieces of equipment stand ready to clear county roadways. If the weather becomes treacherous, personnel will be dispatched to 12 winter maintenance districts to address salt and plow 1,200 lane miles of roadways across Camden County. The county’s response plan calls for crews to be dispatched only to the zones where they are needed.
In light of the high winds and heavy snow, crews will ensure all chainsaws and chippers are tuned up for tree removal operations. Also, all mechanics will be called in to make sure plows and trucks stay on the road during the duration of the storm.
“As always, when the weather turns hazardous we recommend that motorists remain cautious and give themselves extra time to reach their destinations,” Shin Angulo said. “Anyone on the roadways during these times should be prepared to encounter slick road conditions. Remember to leave at least six car lengths behind our DPW vehicles while they work, and move any cars off the street and into a driveway while we continue our plowing operations. Remember that it is illegal in New Jersey to plow or shovel snow from private property into roadways.”
In addition to clearing roadways, the Camden County Freeholder Board offers assistance to senior citizens and disabled residents who are unable to remove significant amounts of snow accumulation from their properties.
“The snow removal program is available to help seniors and disabled individuals get out of their homes for necessities such as prescriptions or medical appointments,” said Freeholder Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Department of Corrections. “The program uses Camden County Jail inmates who are carefully screened, non-violent offenders who are guarded at all times on the job site by corrections officers.”
– The Snow Removal Program will go into effect only after 4 inches of snow has fallen on the ground in our area.
– At-risk senior and disabled residents can contact the Camden County Office of Emergency Management at (856) 783–4808 ext. 5060, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
– Calls for snow removal will not be taken until after it has stopped snowing.
– Work crews will be dispatched only after it has stopped snowing. The crews will remove snow only during daylight hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
– Crews will respond to calls in the order they are received and will service as many residents as possible each day. There are no guaranteed times when the crews will arrive at a residence.
– Senior and disabled residents must call after each substantial snowfall to request this service.
The Department of Corrections will supply the needed equipment. The program does not supply salt or ice-melting chemicals, but crews will dispense them if supplied by residents. Contact and conversation between the inmates and the public are prohibited. Gratuities and gifts or money, food, drink or any other item is strictly prohibited.
In the event that the weather causes isolated power outages, please remember to immediately call your utility company so they can identify the location and coordinate crews to restore your power. This storm has the potential to bring down trees and power lines residents need to be extra cognizant of any power failures. Below are numbers and contact info for the two power providers in Camden County:
PSE&G: 1–800–436-PSEG (7734)
PSEG website: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp
Atlantic City Electric: 1–800–833–7476
Atlantic City Electric website: http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/
South Jersey Gas: 1–800–582–7060
South Jersey Gas website: http://southjerseygas.com/
As always, please use 911 for emergencies only. If you see a problem on a county road, please call our 24-hour hotline at (856) 566–2980 to report it to DPW.
Continue to check www.camdencounty.com through the storm for weather and road condition updates. Information will also be provided through Facebook and Twitter.
