New Jersey Governor Addresses Winter Storm Aftermath and Recovery Efforts

Storm Preparedness and Response

• 💡 New Jersey initiated extensive preparations for the winter storm, starting on inauguration day, with a focus on emergency response and public safety.
• 🤝 Collaboration between state troopers, DPW workers, utility companies, and mutual aid from other states like Ohio was crucial for managing the crisis.
• ⚠️ A state of emergency was declared to ensure DPW workers had necessary equipment for plowing and salting, and to facilitate transit solutions.

Transportation and Infrastructure Recovery

• 🛣️ Highways were nearly empty due to residents staying home, enabling effective plowing operations despite up to 17 inches of snow, leading to early blacktop restoration.
• 🚌 NJ Transit has resumed 85 bus lines and is gradually adding more as municipalities clear bus stops, with light rail service also operational.
• 🚆 Most train lines are coming back online, operating on a modified weekend schedule, with efforts to restore all services including those affected by mechanical or crew access issues.
• ✈️ Newark Airport is ramping up operations, and many flights are now able to take off and land.
• 🚗 The commercial vehicle ban has been lifted, and all state highways have been plowed, but drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution due to wet roads and freezing temperatures.

Utility Restoration and Energy Demand

• ✅ Utility operators successfully restored power to all residents who lost it during the storm, a feat noted as unprecedented in previous storms.
• ⚡ The grid operator PJM is preparing for historic electricity demand due to cold temperatures, with an emergency order issued to keep additional resources online.
• ❄️ Continued cold weather is expected, leading to increased power needs, which are being closely monitored.

Cleanup and Ongoing Precautions

• 🧊 Deicing efforts are ongoing, with ample salt available at the port (250,000 metric tons on hand, with more inbound) and municipalities encouraged to replenish their supplies.
• 🏘️ Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors and loved ones, especially the elderly, as cold weather persists.
• 🚗 Drivers are advised to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before traveling to prevent accidents.

Leadership and Collaboration

• 🌟 Governor Mikie Sherrill is commended for her leadership, precision, and pragmatism during the crisis.
• 👏 The efforts of the New Jersey State Police, Office of Emergency Management, Department of Transportation, NJ Transit, Port Authority, and all mutual aid workers are recognized for their significant contributions.