New Jersey Storm Aftermath: State of Emergency Ends, Cleanup and Cold Ahead

Storm Recovery and State of Emergency

• ⚠️ The state of emergency in New Jersey has been declared over, marking the transition from acute crisis to cleanup and aftermath.
• 💡 The governor commended the high level of preparation and the hard work of public workers during the storm, emphasizing the importance of staying home.
• 🤝 Mutual aid was crucial, with workers and equipment, including from Ohio, brought in to assist with plowing, salting, and utility restoration.

Transportation and Infrastructure Restoration

• 🛣️ All state highways, interstates, turnpikes, and parkways have been plowed and are back to blacktop.
• 🚆 NJ Transit is gradually restoring services, with light rail, 85 bus lines, and most train lines operational, though some may still face delays.
• ✈️ Newark Airport is ramping up operations, and many flights are now able to take off and land.
• 💡 Despite roads being clear, officials urge extreme caution due to wet conditions and below-freezing temperatures, warning of potential ice, especially on bridges and ramps.

Utility and Power Restoration

• ⚡ Utility operators have restored power to every single person who lost it during the storm, a significant achievement noted by officials.
• 🔌 The grid operator, PJM, is preparing for historic demand for electricity due to upcoming cold temperatures, with emergency orders in place to keep additional resources online.
• ❄️ Cold temperatures are expected to persist throughout the week, increasing power needs and requiring continued monitoring.

Preparedness and Community

• 🧂 The state has a substantial supply of salt at the port (250,000 metric tons on hand, with more inbound) to continue deicing efforts.
• 📞 Officials urge residents to check on neighbors and loved ones, especially the elderly, as the cold weather continues.
• 🚗 The commercial vehicle ban has been lifted, but drivers are advised to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before traveling to prevent accidents.
• 🏢 Municipalities are reminded to clear bus shelters to ensure safe waiting areas for public transit users.

Storm Impact and Future Outlook

• 🌨️ The storm brought significant snowfall, with totals ranging from 6 inches in Cape May to 17 inches in Sussex County.
• 🚨 Troopers responded to 206 motor vehicle accidents and 1,130 motorist aids between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, with no serious injuries reported.
• 🗓️ This storm is considered the worst winter storm in a decade, and officials acknowledge that more storms may occur as it is still January.