Winter storm has potential to deliver 10–15 inches of snow to area
The Camden County Department of Public Works and Office of Emergency Management are tracking weather conditions that are setting the stage for a powerful nor’easter arriving later tonight. Preparations are underway to respond to the inclement conditions and keep traffic moving throughout the region.
“Winter storm Stella has the potential to deliver between 10 and 15 inches of snow to our area before clearing out tomorrow. Our crews will be out well in advance of the first snowflake treating roadways throughout the county” said Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Works. “This is an all hands on deck weather event for the department and all personnel will be on the job.”
At the public works complex in Lindenwold, more than 100 pieces of equipment stand ready to keep county roadways passable and motorists moving. If the weather becomes treacherous personnel will be dispatched to 12 winter maintenance districts to salt and plow 1,400 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.
“Our county crews will be on the job to address any and all situations that may arise,” Shin Angulo said. “Our equipment is prepped, our trucks are loaded and our Public Works employees will be on the job to keep roadways clear, but we need everyone to remain extra cautious behind the wheel based on a messy forecast. As always when we get significant, fast accumulation during rush hour, public transportation is always a good commuting option to stay off the roads and allow our crews to work.”
Winter storm Stella is expected to arrive between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. with snowfall rates of 1.5 to 3 inches per hour. By the time the snow lets up tomorrow, there could be 10 to 16 inches of snow on the ground with 25 mile per hour winds out of the northeast causing snow to drift back onto already cleared roadways.
“Anyone on the roadways during these times should be prepared to encounter slick road conditions,” Shin Angulo said. “Remember to leave at least six car lengths behind our DPW vehicles while they work. Also, while our crews are working in the community please park all vehicles off the roadways so we can effectively plow the area.”
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.
“In these extreme weather conditions, please remember to check on elderly relatives and neighbors, or handicapped relatives and neighbors that live alone,” said Freeholder Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Office of Emergency Management. “Remember to bring your pets indoors, and stock your home with enough food and medication you may need to ride out the storm.”
Continue to check www.camdencounty.com through the storm for weather and road condition updates. Information will also be provided through Facebook and Twitter.
