Storm Alert: Not Trying to be Alarmist .... But it Seems March Wants to Go Out Like Lion!!

Published on March 01, 2017

(JPG, 17KB)Good afternoon. Greetings from the Morris County Emergency Operations Center.

We continue to monitor the Nor'easter which at this time appears to be on track for Monday night through Tuesday (3/13 €“ 3/14). We are preparing for what forecasters have described as a Major Winter Storm.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch which is in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday evening. We continue to monitor several storm models, and we anticipate that the forecast data will change as we get closer to the event. We will provide additional updates as we continue to monitor the data.

Current data suggests we may experience 1-3 per-hour snow rates during the pre-dawn hours through early afternoon on Tuesday, with near blizzard conditions and limited visibility possible at the height of the storm with prolonged blowing and drifting snow.(JPG, 8KB)

At this time, the data suggests snow accumulations of 12-16 are likely with isolated higher amounts of 20-24 possible depending on where the storm sets up. The higher snow amounts have a lower confidence rating at this time.

Winds will be northeast at 20-25 MPH with gusts of 40-45 MPH late Monday night through Tuesday.

We encourage you to plan ahead. Take a look below to find the Morris County Office of Emergency Management Winter Storm Preparedness Tips that we welcome you to share with your community and post on your social media sites. Stay plugged in for additional weather updates and adjust your plans accordingly.

Jeffrey S. Paul, Director, Morris County Office of Emergency Management

(JPG, 12KB)Morris County Office of Emergency Management
Winter Preparedness Tips:
Prepare at Home: Stock up!
Food that doesn't require heating or refrigeration
Water (1 gallon per person per day)
Flashlights and batteries
Battery powered or hand-crank radio
Battery powered clock
First Aid Kit
Medications and Medical Items (if necessary)
Cellphones with chargers
Pet food, water, and additional supplies
Baby supplies (formula, bottles, diapers, etc.)
Alternate heating methods (wood, coal burning stoves, etc.)
Warm coats, gloves or mittens, boots, and extra blankets

On the Road: Winterize your vehicle.(JPG, 10KB)
Keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
Check tires for proper inflation
Check antifreeze
Pack emergency supplies in a backpack for a kit on-the-go:
Ice scraper
Jumper cables
Tire chains
Small shovel
First Aid Kit
Flashlight and batteries
Warning Flares or reflective triangle

Visit www.MorrisOEM.org to learn how you can register for alerts with your local police or emergency personnel, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@MCUrgent). Also, keep a watch on the Morris County government website at www.morriscountynj.gov and Facebook.