Bloomfield Prepares For Blizzard: Schools, Parking, Snow Shoveling, Plowing, Garbage

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — New Jersey is under a state of emergency as a severe winter storm bears down on the state, including Bloomfield.

The National Weather Service is predicting that up to two feet of snow may fall in Bloomfield on Sunday and Monday (see local forecast below). Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s state of emergency declaration took effect at noon on Sunday.

“I am announcing speed restriction of 35 miles-per-hour, which will take effect at 3 p.m.,” Sherrill said. “A commercial vehicle ban will also take effect at 3 p.m. [Sunday] on all our highways – except the Turnpike.”

>> READ MORE: Highway Speed Restrictions, Travel Bans In Place As Brutal Blizzard Barrels Into NJ

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Bloomfield, with a Blizzard Warning for the township lasting until 6 p.m. on Monday.

Here’s the 48-hour local forecast for Bloomfield, as per the NWS:

Sunday Afternoon - Snow. Steady temperature around 33. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northeast wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday Night - Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Areas of blowing snow after 1am. Low around 28. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Windy, with a north wind 17 to 22 mph increasing to 24 to 29 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 10 to 16 inches possible.

Monday - Snow, mainly before 1pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Areas of blowing snow before 4pm. High near 35. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Windy, with a north wind 21 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Monday Night - Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. Blustery, with a northwest wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

BLOOMFIELD BATTENS DOWN THE HATCHES

Bloomfield township officials warned that strong winds and cold temperatures are expected to accompany the heavy snowfall.

“Please check on your elderly relatives and neighbors and make sure you have all your essential needs,” officials advised.

Here are some other things to know in Bloomfield, authorities say:

SCHOOLS

Bloomfield schools will be closed on Monday, Feb. 23. “The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” district administrators said. “Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.”

PLOWING

Plows and crews will be on standby this weekend, town officials said. Snow operations will begin Sunday into Monday. Main roads, emergency routes, hills, and intersections will be cleared first, followed by neighborhood streets. Crews will continue cleanup Monday, especially if strong winds cause drifting.

PARKING

Vehicles must be removed from designated snow emergency streets once roadways become snow covered to allow for curb-to-curb plowing.

“If you have a driveway, please use it,” Bloomfield officials said.

Municipal school parking lots and 209 Franklin Street will be available for resident parking during the storm. All vehicles must be removed from school properties by noon on Monday.

>> See a list of “Snow Emergency Streets” in Bloomfield here.

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING

Garbage pickup is suspended for Monday, Feb. 23. Residents with Monday service will have their garbage collected on their next scheduled pickup day, Thursday, Feb. 26.

Monday’s recycling pickup will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

“Do not place trash bins at the curb until after the storm,” town officials said.

SNOW SHOVELING

Here are three things to remember about shoveling snow in Bloomfield, town officials said:

• Property owners must clear sidewalks, driveways, storm drains and fire hydrants that are adjacent to their property
• Clear at least three feet of space around a fire hydrant
• Do not shovel snow back onto the street

POWER OUTAGES

Bloomfield residents can report power outages to PSE&G by texting OUT to: 4PSEG (47734) or call: 800-436-PSEG (7734). Customers can also contact PSE&G if they smell gas or see downed wires.

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