Winter Storm Update From Scotch Plains Chief Brian Mahoney

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Emergency Message from Police Chief Brian Mahoney and the Scotch Plains Office of Emergency Management:

Governor Christie has declared a state of emergency for the State of NJ in preparation for tonight’s snow storm.  This declaration occurs when a disaster may be imminent that is severe enough to require coordination of resources on the state, county and local level to best protect the safety, health and welfare of our residents.  Such a declaration authorizes a number of actions that may be taken, if necessary, including but not limited to traffic restrictions or evacuations.  At this time, NO such restrictions have been implemented.   

Conditions are expected to deteriorate overnight.  8-10 inches of snow is expected in central NJ with winds gusting at over 35 mph.  Visibility will be poor with blowing snow and ice.   

State Offices and schools will be closed for Friday, 1/3/14.  Please refrain from driving tonight and tomorrowunless absolutely necessary.  

Remember, when visibility is poor for a motorist in a car, it is dramatically worse for a snow plow operator.  Please help keep our DPW workers safe by moving parked vehicles and allowing them to clear the roads.

Please report any downed wires and trees to Police Headquarters as well as any power outages by calling 908-322-7100 (press 7 to reach the police desk).  Should a power outage or extreme temperatures make it necessary, warming shelters will be made available at the Municipal building as well as the South Side Firehouse.   Please help to keep our 911 system open by only calling with true emergencies. 

The Scotch Plains Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the storm and keep residents up to date with information via the Code Red Emergency Notification System.  Residents are reminded to register to receive notifications by visiting our website at scotchplainspolice.org and click on the New Community Notification System tab.  Information will also be posted to the SPPD Facebook Page, and be available on our AM 530 Radio Station.