Manalapan Prepares for Major Winter Storm Friday

Manalapan, NJ - The latest forecast for this weekend is in: Central Jersey and the Jersey Shore could receive up to 6 inches of snow, with South Jersey receiving 10 inches or more. AccuWeather forecasters warn residents to be prepared for possibly “long-duration snowfall that could last more than 24 hours in some locations,” as well as high winds and coastal flooding.

No matter what Mother Nature throws our way, Manapalan Township is ready.

“All of our snow and emergency personnel is on notice,” said Lieutenant Edward Niesz of the Manalapan police. “As of now, we’re not sure of the amount of snow predicted for our township. However, we are prepared for whatever is to come.”

Secure the outside of your homes

Manalapan police ask residents to stock up now on food, medicine and supplies they may need for the storm. Secure the outside of your homes, as heavy winds are expected, said Deputy Police Chief Michael Fountain.

Wind speeds of 25 to 40 mph with higher gusts of 60 mph are possible, AccuWeather predicts.

This means bringing in lawn furniture now, and bring in trash cans Friday. You might even spend Wednesday and Thursday removing dead tree branches that could fall and cause damage Saturday.

Stay off the roads!

Manalapan police ask drivers to stay off the roads Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.

“The safest place to be is your residence,” said Fountain. “The township will aggressively be plowing the roads, so please allow the plows to do their job.”

Cars that are parked on snow-covered roads that have to be plowed will be towed, Fountain warned. Also, if you are shoveling or using a snow blower, do not put the snow back onto the roads, he said. The police will be actively enforcing this Saturday and Sunday, he said.