Burlington County activated its Emergency Operations Center in the County Public Safety Building in advance of the storm and has it staffed with emergency management and public safety officials and representatives from County departments, including Public Works, Public Safety, Health, Human Services, Information Technology and more. The center will remain active for the duration of the County’s storm response.
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for the entire county, warning of potential snow accumulations of between 18 and 30 inches or more across the county. The snow is expected to begin later this afternoon and grow increasingly heavy, with potential rates of up to 3-inches an hour expected between 10 tonight and 7 a.m. tomorrow.
Forecasts call for between 18 to 24 inches of snow to accumulate in the western half of Burlington County and between 24 to 30 inches in the eastern half.
Wind gusts of 50 to 60 miles per hour (mph) are also expected, resulting in drastically reduced visibility and snow drifting.
Travel during the storm will be extremely dangerous, and residents should prepare for the possibility of prolonged power outages.
“We’re preparing for the potential of history-making snow and the likelihood of severe impacts,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “We know many residents are snow weary, but this storm is not one anyone should underestimate. Our emergency management team, first responders and County Public Works crews are ready, but it’s imperative that residents remain home and sheltered.
“We’re also asking residents to check on any family, friends or neighbors who may be vulnerable and in need of assistance. By working together and caring for one another, we will make it through this storm.”
Emergency Operations Center
Burlington County activated its Emergency Operations Center in the County Public Safety Building in advance of the storm and has it staffed with emergency management and public safety officials and representatives from County departments, including Public Works, Public Safety, Health, Human Services, Information Technology and more. The center will remain active for the duration of the County’s storm response.
County roads
Burlington County now has 68 trucks equipped for plowing and salting operations, up from 64 that were available and used during the late January storm.
In advance of the storm, the New Jersey Department of Transportation is reducing the speed limits to 35 mph on all intestate and state highways in New Jersey, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway. The reduced limit began at 3 p.m. today and remains in place until further notice. The CODE Blue declaration is expected to remain in place until at least 7 a.m. Wednesday.
A commercial vehicle travel restriction is also in place on Interstate 295 and several other interstate highways.
NJ Transit
Service on the River Line and all NJ Transit buses will be suspended beginning at 6 p.m. Rail service adjustments are expected this evening.
CODE BLUE
Due to the forecast of subfreezing temperatures and snow, a CODE BLUE Weather Emergency will take effect this evening at 7 p.m.. During the Code Blue, the County provides short-term sheltering for homeless in clean, safe locations.
Residents in need of Code Blue sheltering should contact the Burlington County Board of Social Services at 609-261-1000 or the Burlington County Housing HUB is 609-265-5185 Monday-Friday between 8AM-5PM. After hours, weekends, and holidays, contact NJ 211 by dialing 2-1-1.
Prepare for power outages or other emergencies
Residents should make preparations in advance of the storm and its impacts, including compiling an emergency kit with at least three- to five-days of food and water, prescription medications, toiletries, a first aid kit, baby supplies, pet supplies and additional items for special medical needs. Battery powered flashlights, radios and extra batteries are also recommended.
Residents should also check to make sure their home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and to pay close attention to the weather forecasts and any emergency alerts from New Jersey, Burlington County or their local municipality.
Residents can sign up for real-time alerts and notifications from the Burlington County Department of Public Safety’s CivicReady Emergency Alert system online at https://co.burlington.nj.us/210/Emergency-Notification-Systems .
