Cranford Digs Out of Snowstorm

Cranford residents are busy clearing snow from their cars and the sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses after the first winter storm of the season dropped six to eight inches of snow on the town last night.

Some downtown businesses, like the Breadsmith, Rockn' Joes, Rustic Mill Diner and North Avenue gas stations, remain open. Yet much of the activity downtown came from the efforts of store employees and helpers with snow shovels and blowers.

Town ordinances require homeowners and tenants to clear snow-covered sidewalks in front of their properties within 12 daylight hours after the end of the snowstorm.

The Department of Public Works finished plowing town roads at 10 this morning, according to Deputy Mayor and Commissioner Mark Smith. Though major arteries like North and South avenues are clear, snow-covered side streets may give drivers trouble.

"Use common sense. It's always a good idea to stay in immediately after a snowfall," Smith said. "If there's no reason to go out, don't go out."

Union County towns fell well short of the snowfall amounts recorded in southern Jersey, where some areas reported 24 inches.

The National Weather Service says it will be a cold Sunday, with highs only in the 20s, but the snow should be over.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation reports no serious traffic accidents and all major roads are open, including the parkway, although they advise motorists to use extreme caution given the potential for icy spots, and to allow extra time to reach your destination. Click here for their map.

All three New York area airports are open, but many airlines have canceled or delayed flights, so call ahead if you're considering traveling by plane today.

New Jersey Transit is showing delays on several rail lines due to the weather. Check here to see their latest updates. Buses in particular are facing delays, due to snow on residential streets. The transit system is cross-honoring rail and bus passes.

The storm cleared area streets, beginning around 7 p.m. last night.

There were few cars on the roads and although some businesses, like the Cranford Theater remained open, most were empty of patrons. Plows were out and about but roads remained dangerous. Driving snow left some areas of town in whiteout conditions.

Earlier in the afternoon, when snow started to cover Cranford streets and sidewalks, driving and walking were hazardous for those out and about. Despite the worsening weather, shoppers still milled about downtown, grabbing a bite to eat in local restaurants to warm up.

County work crews started their defensive efforts by salting local streets.  An inch or two of snow is addressed by salting the roads; but once the snow accumulates to about three inches, plowing starts up in full force, according to Commissioner of Public Works Mark Smith. Department of Public Works personnel were focusing on town roads while county plows took on county streets like South, Centennial and Walnut avenues.

"Anything over 5 or 6 inches of snow begins to be a bigger problem, since the crews cannot keep up with removing the accumulating snow," said Smith. "So, if we get 10 inches of snow it is a pretty big job to keep the roads clear."

Have your own snow photos? Send them to us at whitney@patch.com. Or you can upload them directly to this story. Feel free to email us with other snow-related news.