Millburn Gets Ready For Snowstorm: Parking, Shoveling, Emergency Info

MILLBURN, NJ — Millburn officials are asking residents to take several precautions in the face of a predicted snowstorm this weekend.

Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency ahead of the incoming winter storm. It went into effect at 8 a.m. on Sunday. Read More: State Of Emergency Declared Ahead Of NJ Winter Storm

"Beginning tomorrow morning, we are expecting a winter storm to bring heavy snow, followed by dangerously low temperatures expected on Monday and continuing through Wednesday," Murphy said. "As always, I urge all New Jerseyans to use caution, follow all safety protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary."

Preparations are taking place in Millburn, which issued its own warning ahead of the storm. The following information comes courtesy of the Millburn Office of Emergency Management (OEM):

The Millburn OEM has been monitoring the progress of a low-pressure system that develops along the Mid Atlantic coast and pushes northeast tonight. High pressure builds in Monday bringing an arctic airmass to the area that remains over the area through Friday. According to the National Weather Service, snow and sleet accumulations range between 6 and 8 inches (NWS NYC).

Sunday Morning Update... Plowable Snow, then Arctic Cold... First, it's worth noting there are wet spots and we are cold enough for a localized slick spot this AM, then attention turns to snow. Initially, the snow midday to early afternoon will be on the lighter side, and even mixed with some sleet or light rain. This will lead to a bit of a slow start, and pavements will be variable for a little while... However, as the area of low pressure quickly strengthens, bands of moderate to heavy snow develop, peaking 5 - 9 PM. This is when a bulk of our accumulations occur before tapering back and ending tonight. While initially marginal, through the middle and esp. latter half of the storm, temperatures start to free fall, leading to a hard freeze up with blowing and drifting of the snow. Salt will also become less effective than normal for post-event touch ups. Tomorrow has flurries and a stray snow shower afternoon into evening, bringing a low windblown dusting risk. The bitter cold is here to stay, limiting natural melting this week. Confidence of 2-7 inches of snow (Weather Works).

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Francis K. O’Connor has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey starting Sunday at 9:00 AM, based on the forecast for a significant winter. For a list of the following highways: https://nj-dot.nj.gov/transportation/uploads/comm/news/details/comm_np_20250118_170949_NJDOTIssuesCommercialVehicleTravelRestrictionsbeginingat9amtomorrowJanuary19.pdf

Preparedness:

• Residents are reminded to move their cars from streets and park them in driveways so our public works crews can clear streets if there is plowable snowfall. Public Works will begin plowing after an accumulation of 2 inches. Please shovel the walkways around your homes, but do not put shoveled snow back into the street after your street has been plowed.

• Millburn DPW has mobilized to respond to this weather event by ensuring that their equipment is prepared, and shifts are staffed. Salting operations will likely not occur in advance of this storm system beginning as a result of rain.

• Millburn Police Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services are at a full complement of manpower on stand-by.

• Localized power outages are possible. Residents are urged to stay away from any downed wires and treat all downed wires as “live” even if power appears to be out in the area.

• Use caution while driving today and into the evening. Areas of icing on untreated surfaces are also possible in the evening into the overnight.

• Prevention Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Do not run any fuel-powered generators in a garage or other enclosed space or near windows. This is a good time to test battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Closures or Delayed Openings:

Any deviations to Municipal Offices hours of operation will be issued in separate messaging or posted on the Township’s social media platforms.

What can residents do to help expedite snow removal operations, once underway?

• Remove cars from roadways, especially along snow routes.

• Do not throw, plow or blow snow onto the street.

• Clear out fire hydrants near your home.

• Stay off roadways as much as possible.

• Power outages should be reported directly to JCP&L. https://www.firstenergycorp.com/outages_help/Report_Power_Outages.html

• Sign up for Millburn Alert to receive important notifications or updates from the Township.  https://www.smart911.com/smart911/login.action?lpse=1

• Continue to monitor the weather on your preferred channel.     

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION FOR UTILITY COMPANIES:

Jersey Central Power & Light (Electricity) 1-800-544-4877

PSE&G (Natural Gas) 1-800-436-7734

New Jersey American Water Company (Water Distribution) 1-800-272-1325

Comcast (Cable/Internet) 1-800-266-2278

Verizon Fios (Cable/Internet) 1-888-438-3467

Verizon 1-800-827-4966

As always, please reserve 9-1-1 for EMERGENCIES ONLY.

Mountain Valley Emergency Communications Center (Non-Emergency) 908-263-7550

Millburn Police (Non-Emergency) 973-564-7001

Millburn Fire (Non-Emergency) 973-564-7035

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