Another Foot (Or More) of Snow Predicted

The weather gods don't seem to care that Cranford has already used up about 40 percent of its snow budget.

It all started two weeks ago when over a foot of snow got dumped on the Cranford area. Then last week we were surprised with a few inches more.

Now, here it comes again.

Cranford residents should expect a new snow storm to pass over our area starting early Thursday morning. The National Weather Service says the significant storm system will intensify as it tracks Northeast from Near Cape Hatteras Thursday morning to south of Cape Cod by Thursday evening. The storm will then perform a loop over the tri-state area Thursday night and Friday, ending up south of Cape Code again by Saturday morning.

As of 10 a.m. Thursday, the weather service had predicted anywhere between 12 and 16 inches of snow for the Cranford area, with higher amounts the farther north you travel.

"[We have] plenty of salt, trucks are loaded and ready to go," said Mayor Mark Smith. "We expect a lull later today, which should allow time to clear streets before the heavier snow arrives this evening."

The snow is expected to develop around rush hour Thursday morning and continue through Friday, with the heaviest precipitation falling from mid-morning Thursday to the evening. The weather service says the snow will gradually become less steady and lighter, before tapering off into Friday evening.

The winter storm warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Friday.

Cranford schools have already decided to close early. Click here for schedule details.

NJ Transit announced Thursday afternoon that it will offer full systemwide cross-honoring starting at 5 a.m. Thursday. This allows customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternative travel mode—rail, bus or light rail.