Winter Storm May Dump 16+ Inches Of Snow On Bloomfield: What To Know

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Get ready to break out those snow shovels in Bloomfield, weather forecasters say.

A severe winter storm is expected to hit the region this weekend. Forecasts have shifted, but the latest predictions call for up to 18 inches of snow in some parts of New Jersey. Most of the snowfall is expected to happen from Saturday night to Monday.

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The Bloomfield area is currently under a Hazardous Weather Outlook. In addition, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday morning to Monday evening.

Bloomfield may see between seven and 11 inches of snow accumulation during the daytime hours on Sunday, with another three to five inches possible that evening. More snow is likely on Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Here’s the local forecast for Bloomfield, according to the NWS:

• Saturday: Increasing clouds and cold, with a high near 18. Wind chill values between -5 and 5. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
• Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of snow after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 12. Wind chill values between 5 and 10. North wind around 6 mph.
• Sunday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 24. Northeast wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.
• Sunday Night: Snow. Steady temperature around 22. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• Monday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
• Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 8.

BLOOMFIELD PREPARES FOR SNOW

Bloomfield township officials have been advising local residents to batten down the hatches and get ready for a big snowstorm.

"To prepare for the weekend storm, please make sure you have all essential needs and any medical supplies to last for at least three days," a township advisory stated. "If you have a driveway, please use it. Be prepared for power outages. Charge all essential devices. Monitor local weather forecasts."

The Bloomfield public works department shared an update from the town's garbage collection vendor, noting that trash pickup for Monday, Jan. 26 is suspended due to the storm. Residents with Monday service will have their garbage collected on their next scheduled pickup day: Thursday, Jan. 29. Meanwhile, Monday's recycling pickup will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Bloomfield officials also reminded residents that vehicles must be removed from "snow streets" if the weather starts turning bad. See a list of designated streets here.

The Bloomfield Police Department shared several parking updates for the storm:

• Due to impending snow projected over the weekend, the Bloomfield Police Department will deploy a dedicated weather response team to ensure public safety and assist with weather-related incidents throughout the Township.
• In addition, the Bloomfield Police Department will strictly enforce the Township's prohibited parking ordinance during the snow event. Residents are strongly encouraged to remove vehicles from designated snow emergency streets prior to roadways becoming snow covered to allow for safe and efficient curb-to-curb plowing.
• Municipal school parking lots are designated for resident parking during the snow event. Upon conclusion of the snowfall, all vehicles must be removed from school properties no later than 2:00 p.m. on Monday. Vehicles that remain on school grounds after this time will be subject to enforcement action, including the issuance of summonses and towing.
• Residents are encouraged to monitor official Township communications for updates and to take necessary precautions to ensure their vehicles am parked legally and safely during the storm.

COLD WEATHER COMING IN ESSEX COUNTY

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. held an emergency snow preparedness meeting at the Turtle Back Zoo on Thursday, outlining the county’s plan to respond to the storm and coordinate with local municipalities.

“Although it is too early to determine how much snow we will get, the accumulation could be significant, and it could be the biggest storm we have experienced since 2021,” DiVincenzo said.

Meanwhile, Essex County has enacted a “Code Blue” alert ahead of the storm, which began Thursday evening and will continue until 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Here’s what happens during a Code Blue, officials say:

“When a Code Blue is declared, a network of warming stations operated by the county and its municipalities and shelters operated by the community-based organizations will be opened. The warming stations identified include a variety of public libraries, senior centers, civic and community centers, school buildings, houses of worship, firehouses and first aid squad buildings. Warming stations are generally opened during the day and may not provide overnight accommodations. Shelters do provide overnight accommodations. In addition, shelters that regularly require occupants to leave during the day will suspend that practice so people can stay indoors.”

View a list of participating shelters below, visit www.NJ211.org or dial 2-1-1.

“The cold temperatures and inclement winter weather puts the health and safety of our homeless residents are risk,” Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones said.

“We appreciate our partner agencies opening their doors to provide a warm and safe place for those in need,” Jones added.

• See Related: Snow Shoveling Can Be Deadly, NJ Cardiologist Cautions

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