Marlboro & Colts Neck Prepare For Major Winter Storm: Latest Forecast, How To Prepare

MARLBORO-COLTS NECK, NJ — Marlboro and Colts Neck residents are urged to prepare for a major winter storm that could bring over a foot of snow, icy roads and dangerously cold temperatures to the Garden State over the weekend.

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to impact the region from Saturday night through Monday morning.

In the Long Branch and greater Monmouth County area, forecasters are currently predicting around 12-18” of total snowfall.

On Friday afternoon, Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency in all 21 counties ahead of the storm, warning residents that this "is not an average storm."

• Read: Snow Total Projections Shift As Weekend Storm Arrives In NJ

Monmouth County is also under a Winter Storm Warning from Saturday night through Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.

“Heavy snow and some ice accumulation will make travel dangerous or impossible,” the National Weather Service said in its Friday afternoon briefing. “Expect widespread road closures and significant delays on major interstates and highways.”

Alongside heavy snow and ice accumulation, forecasters are also warning that a combination of heavy snow, followed by sleet/freezing rain and breezy northeast winds, could result in some isolated instances of downed trees and power lines as well as power outages.

To see the National Weather Service’s full winter storm briefing from Friday afternoon, you can click here.

As of Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service's forecast for the Marlboro-Colts Neck area is:

• Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 20. Wind chill values as low as -5. Northwest wind 5-10 MPH, with gusts as high as 20 MPH.
• Saturday Night: Snow likely after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 14. Northeast wind 5-10 MPH. The chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1-2 inches possible.
• Sunday: Snow before 4 p.m., then snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 28. Northeast wind 10-15 MPH, with gusts as high as 30 MPH. The chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of 9-13 inches possible.
• Sunday Night: Snow and freezing rain, becoming all snow after 4 a.m. Low around 26. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
• Monday: Snow likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. The chance of precipitation is 60%.
• Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 8.

Ahead of the storm, Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik is advising residents to prepare early with the following tips:

• Remove your cars and other obstructions on the street by Saturday evening
• Make sure your batteries are charged
• Stay updated on the “Storm Update” section of the township website

“This is forecast to be our most significant snowfall in several years,” Hornik said in a letter to residents. “We are asking residents to take the time now to plan and prepare.”

In his letter, Hornik also noted the following schedule changes residents should be aware of:

• Sunday recreation classes are cancelled
• The Recycling Center is closed on Monday. It will be open on Saturday as scheduled.
• The Zoning Board meeting is cancelled on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

The full letter can be read here.

In Colts Neck, the township has advised residents that due to the impending storm, Recycling Zone 1 on Monday has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Ahead of the storm, the township is also encouraging residents to take the following precautions:

• Check and prepare your emergency supplies.
• Secure any outdoor furniture, trash cans, or other items that may become airborne during storm events.
• In preparation for potential power outages, stock up on bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water.
• Should you experience a loss of power, contact JCP&L directly at 1-888-544-4877. And be reminded to NEVER approach downed power lines.
• The Colts Neck Office of Emergency Management STRONGLY encourages residents to remain off township roads for the duration of this event to allow for the passage of emergency personnel and snow removal crews.
• PLEASE NOTE: Parking vehicles on ANY township roadway is strictly PROHIBITED beginning Saturday evening at 6:00 pm through Monday morning at 11:00 am.
• And as always, if you need emergency assistance, dial 911.

Should the township experience a power outage, officials said comfort stations may be available for residents.

You can check the township website for details, updates, and additional weather-related information.

At Colts Neck Reformed Church, the Church has also posted that all in-person events are canceled on Sunday, and that worship will be held online only at 9:30 a.m. via Facebook and YouTube.

“All in-person gatherings — including Coffee Hour, Youth Choir Rehearsal, Youth Group, Younger Youth, and High School Group — are canceled or postponed,” the Church said. “...We regret the need for a preemptive cancellation, but your safety is our top priority. Stay safe, prepare as needed, and reach out if you need support.”

For those without shelter, a “Code Blue” alert has been extended in Monmouth County until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

• Read: ‘Code Blue’ Alert Extended In Monmouth County: Where To Find Shelter

“Code Blue” is put in place when temperatures drop below freezing (32 F), and conditions pose a threat to unsheltered individuals.

If you or someone you know does not have shelter in Monmouth County, they can go to:

• Monmouth County Division of Social Services
• Hope and Comfort Center
• Mercy Center
• The Feast NJ, Women’s Heart Warming Center
• Trinity Episcopal Church
• Lunch Break Inc.
• Monmouth County Library – Manalapan
• Monmouth County Library – Shrewsbury

You can also get help by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the NJ211 website.