Full Notification

March 20, 2018 - Winter Storm Warning (4:00 p.m.)

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Union County in effect from 6:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 21, until 8:00 a.m., Thursday, March 22, 2018. According to the NWS at 3:34 p.m. today: “Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 11 to 15 inches are expected. Snow will develop during the morning and become heavy by afternoon. Expect significant reductions in visibility at times. A combination of the heavy snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph could bring down tree limbs and power lines, creating power outages.”

BE PREPARED: Residents are advised to prepare for the storm. Common sense steps such as making sure your cell phones are fully charged, that you have water and non-perishable food on hand, that you have a full tank of gas in your car, and that you have a battery operated radio and flashlights available can go a long way in assuring your own safety and comfort. The website, www.ready.nj.gov, offers helpful tips on emergency preparedness.

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign up for Twitter and Nixle alerts delivered directly to your personal e-mail account and your mobile devices. (Go to https://twitter.com/TownOfWestfield and and https://nixle.com/westfield-nj-police-department/).

THE TOWN IS READY: The Town has mobilized its resources to manage any storm related issues that arise. The plows are ready!

GOVERNOR MURPHY ISSUES WARNING: "Please do not head out into the snow unless you absolutely have to," he said. "Please give the local, county, and state crews the chance to work unimpeded to get our roads and highways clear." [Governor] Murphy said if you experience a power outage, "please report it immediately" to your power company. (See “WEATHERING THE STORM INFORMATION FROM PSE&G” below.)

PREVIOUS STORM DEBRIS IN ROADWAY: The Department of Public Works has been working to collect residential storm debris from the previous Nor’easter that was placed curbside. Inasmuch as this cleanup began just yesterday, the Town is aware that piles remain throughout the Town. As Public Works’ operations necessarily switch to plowing, plow operators will do their very best to avoid the piles. This situation adds to the importance of removing vehicles from the roadway.

BEFORE YOU GO TO BED THIS EVENING, PLEASE REMEMBER TO MOVE YOUR VEHICLES:

Residents are reminded of the following ordinances that have been enacted for the safety for pedestrians and motorists and to enable efficient plowing operations. Please take note that the ordinances will be enforced.

Section 13-16 Parking Prohibited

Whenever snow has fallen and there is an accumulation of three inches or more on any street, no vehicle shall be parked on any street in the Town of Westfield. This prohibition shall remain in effect until and after the snowfall has ceased and the street has been plowed following the cessation of the snowfall. Downtown residents who have “Nite Owl” permits are permitted to park in the long term spaces in Lot #4 (behind Baron’s Drugs) during snow events.

Sec. 13-16.7 Alternate Side of Street Parking

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13-16 to the contrary, the Westfield Police Department is authorized to permit alternate side of the street parking during or following snow storms…Should three inches of snow fall, the following locations are subject to alternate side of the street parking and vehicles need to park on the side of the street with odd house numbers: the 400 and 500 block of Downer Street, Livingston Street, Cacciola Place, and Cowperthwaite Place between Clark and Elm Streets.

RESIDENTS ALONG STATE AND COUNTY ROADS are reminded that both the State of New Jersey and the County of Union prohibit parking on the roadways under their jurisdiction when they are snow covered.

THE TOWN PARTICIPATED IN A CONFERENCE CALL WITH PSE&G: PSE&G issued the following assurances that it is prepared for the approaching storm.

(NEWARK, N.J. – March 20, 2018) After two major nor’easters earlier this month, PSE&G is preparing for a new massive storm that will hit already saturated landscapes and has the potential to bring down additional trees and power lines. PSE&G has mobilized nearly 600 mutual aid and contract employees and urges customers to remain safe.

PSE&G will have personnel ready to respond to any outages and emergencies beginning Tuesday night. The utility is also ensuring that additional supplies, including poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand. Employees work closely with county and municipal emergency management personnel to inform them of outages and expedite restoration efforts. Some 170 mutual aid line personnel are en route to assist and more have been requested. Crews are coming to New Jersey from Canada, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New York and Wisconsin. Another 115 contract line personnel and 300 tree trimmers have been secured.

PSE&G urges its customers to be cautious during and after the storm:

• Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline powered engine, including generators and snowblowers, in a garage or any other enclosed space.

Customers should report downed wires or power outages by calling PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. Also, customers can report outages at www.pseg.com or by texting “OUT” to 4PSEG (47734). The utility’s mobile-friendly website includes an “Outage Map” that is updated every 15 minutes and displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G’s service area.

WEATHERING THE STORM INFORMATION FROM PSE&G:

Outage Center
www.pseg.com/outageinfo

Outage Map
https://s3.amazonaws.com/outagecenter.pseg.com/external/m.html

Preparing for the Storm
https://www.pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/prep.jsp

During a Storm
https://www.pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/during.jsp

Recovering from a Storm
https://www.pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/recover.jsp

Report an Outage
https://www.pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/outage_grid.jsp

General Information on Restoration
https://www.pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/pdf/brochure.pdf

MyAlerts
https://www.pseg.com/myalerts/register.jsp