How Much Snow Did Berkeley Township Get?

The first real snowstorm of the season turned out to be little more than a dusting, according to the National Weather Service.

Just about an inch fell in Berkeley overnight, even though the NWS had called for 3 to 4 inches yesterday. But don't get used to the paltry amount, more snow and cold is on the way for Saturday.

It was not enough to close schools, cancel events in town or break out the snowplows.

But when it comes, there's plenty of sand and salt mix ready to go, along with private contractors who are ready to go, Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said.

Trucks and salting and sanding vehicles hit the roads at the start of a snowstorm. The township starts plowing once the snow accumulations have reached five inches, the mayor said.

Major roadways are usually done first, then secondary roadways, with roughly 70 pieces of township and contractor.The township has 271 miles of roadway and over 300 cul-de-sacs and dead ends to clear. Depending on how much snow falls, it takes township plows and contractors 24 to 36 hours to clear the roads, Amato said.

"For every 8 hours of snow plowing operations, the cost to Berkeley Township is $100,000," he said. "We encourage residents to opt-in and sign up for our Nixle notification system."
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Trucks and salting and sanding vehicles hit the roads at the start of a snowstorm. The township starts plowing once the snow accumulations have reached five inches, the mayor said.

More snow is expected on Saturday. The National Weather Service is calling for two to four inches in Berkeley, starting after 7 a.m. Expect a high near 27 degree and north winds of 15 to 18 miles per hour.

Saturday night will turn very cold, with a low around 14 degrees and northwest winds of 16 to 18 miles per hour, leading to a wind chill of zero!

Image: Double Trouble State Park, by Patricia A. Miller