Nor’easter Forecast In Hopatcong, Sparta: What To Expect

NORTH JERSEY, NJ – A “major" nor'easter is expected to impact Hopatcong and Sparta on Wednesday, producing plowable snow or heavy rain and packing 35 to 55-mph winds.

The National Weather Service is now labeling the "major" system a "nor'easter" since it's expected to produce strong, sustained damaging winds and precipitation over a 24-hour period on Wednesday.

The storm will be fierce enough to knock down power lines and cause power outages and other damage, packing gale-force winds as strong as 35 to 55 mph across the state between 7 a.m. on Wednesday and 7 a.m. on Thursday.

Here are additional expected snow totals:

State officials said they have more than 400 pieces of road equipment available to make the roads safe, even though fewer people are taking to the roads because of the coronavirus outbreak.

AccuWeather is saying the system could be the "most significant winter storm in several years," one that could potentially become highly impactful and disruptive as the first round of coronavirus vaccines continue to be shipped around the country.

AccuWeather is warning of major disruptions to travel and even travel shutdowns, as well as shipping delays, school closings and power outages from this "blockbuster storm," – even though a number of New Jersey school districts have said they'll opt to go remote instead of closing.

The Hopatcong Borough Office of Emergency Management noted that:\

The Winter Storm Watch was upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning for portions of northern New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania. The Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for portions of central and southern New Jersey.
A High Wind Watch is now in effect for the coastal strip of New Jersey and Delaware.
This storm will have significant impacts across the region.

The Sparta Police Department noted that it looks as if the area will be in for a major cleanup.

"Tonight is downright cold, which means as snow arrives heading into the evening tomorrow, expect pavements to cover quickly. The snow will build heavy with an enhanced window of very high snowfall rates through the late evening to midnight. Rates have the potential to briefly lessen late overnight, however this will come down to where the strongest band of snow pivots," police said in a statement. "The system then exits completely through the late AM into midday. All in all, expect a storm total of 12 - 18". Gusts peak overnight 30 - 35 mph during the heaviest precip, but will not remain that strong into the daytime on Thursday."

Here is the forecast:

• Wednesday: Snow and/or rain, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 28. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• Wednesday night: Snow and/or rain. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 22. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of two to 14 inches possible.
• Thursday: A chance of snow before 8 a.m., then a chance of snow showers, mainly between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
• Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Power Outage Reminders

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) meteorologists are closely monitoring the developing weather conditions. JCP&L is prepared to activate its storm response and Incident Command System plans.

In the event outages occur due to severe weather, customers without power are encouraged to report their outage by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), clicking the “Report Outage” link on www.firstenergycorp.com, or by texting out to 544487.

Customers should immediately report downed wires to 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or call their local police department. JCP&L reminds customers to stay away from downed wires, even if they believe they are no longer carrying electricity. Extra caution should be used in areas where downed lines are tangled with trees or other debris. Motorists are cautioned to treat intersections with inoperable traffic signals as four-way stops.

JCP&L customers can subscribe to email and text message alert notifications to receive weather updates in advance of major storms and updates on scheduled or extended power outages. Visit www.firstenergycorp.com/connec... to enroll.

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