A Code Blue Alert is in effect across Warren County and the rest of New Jersey for Sunday Feb. 22 and beyond. Temperatures will drop below freezing tonight, with the storm bringing potentially dangerous conditions to the entire I-95 corridor.
Current models call for four to eight inches of snow for the Blairstown region. Conditions overnight are expected to be blizzard-like at times, making travel hazardous and inadvisable.
The Blairstown Police Department has issued the following alert for today: “Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5-1-1.”
If travel is required, residents are advised to take their time and drive cautiously. If possible, work remotely from home to minimize traffic on the roadways.
Around 7,500 flights have already been canceled, so check with your airline directly for updates on flight statuses, delays, and time changes.
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm
Always go to the grocery store or local box store and stock up on bottled water, canned goods, and other staples you may need for a few days during a winter storm. If you don’t have a manual can opener, now is the time to grab one of those as well. Don’t forget some extra nonperishable food for your pets and animals, too.
If you have a generator, fill up on gasoline, including a few reserve gas cans if you have them. If not, now may be the time to make the small investment. Top off your gas in your car as well.
Check your supply of flashlights, candles, and batteries, and make sure all of your electronics are fully charged in advance of the storm. If you have a portable charger, be sure that is charged to capacity as well.
Make sure you have enough of any life-saving or important medications on-hand. Prepare to have enough medicine to last you a few extra days in case roads remain unpassable longer than expected.
Grab some cash from your bank or local ATM. Cash may come in handy during a prolonged power outage, not to mention with many shops and gas stations offering bags of cash-only, grab-and-go ice melter. Some smaller bills may be handy for tipping the neighborhood kids for shoveling, too.
What to Do During the Storm
Be sure to park cars off the road so snowplows and emergency vehicles can pass safely. Vehicles parked illegally or blocking traffic may be ticketed or towed.
Dig out any fire hydrants and make sure they are fully visible and accessible to emergency workers.
Property owners are required to shovel or plow any sidewalks or walkways within at least 24 hours of the storm.
Residents are encouraged to stay safe and enjoy the snowy weather responsibly after taking all the necessary precautions.
During a Code Blue Alert, residents can seek shelter in one of the dozen warming stations provided by the town and county.
For more information on staying safe in inhospitable conditions, residents are encouraged to review the official FEMA recommendations.
As Managing Editor of a small nonprofit newspaper in rural New Jersey, Alexia oversees all aspects of editorial content, from planning and assigning stories to editing and publishing. With a focus on community-driven journalism, she works closely with our team to ensure accurate, engaging, and impactful reporting that serves our readers and supports our mission.
- Alexia Bucciarelli
- Alexia Bucciarelli
- Alexia Bucciarelli
- Alexia Bucciarelli
