School Delays and Disruptions: New Jersey Digs Out After Major Nor’easter
MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. – A powerful nor’easter blanketed parts of Burlington County, New Jersey, with up to 20 inches of snow, leading to widespread school delays, hazardous travel conditions, and significant power outages. Residents are facing a challenging recovery as they dig out from the heavy snowfall.
Digging Out and Dealing with the Aftermath
The storm brought a return of substantial snow piles, forcing residents to spend the day shoveling driveways and sidewalks. “Shoveled my mom’s house. Started shoveling my house, my neighbors. Still out here doing more shoveling,” shared Sam Watson of Mount Holly, highlighting the extensive cleanup efforts. The sheer weight and wetness of the snow made the task particularly difficult, even for those using snowblowers.
Ashton Pogorzelski of Mount Holly noted, “The apron is pretty bad with all the water and stuff. But other than that, it’s not too bad.” This sentiment reflects the common struggle with the dense, heavy snow.
Travel Hazards and Safety Concerns
Early Monday, road conditions were treacherous, prompting drivers to exercise extreme caution. A statewide travel ban was lifted at noon, but officials continued to urge vigilance. Robert Nichols of Lumberton emphasized the danger, stating, “It’s kind of dangerous, especially for people who don’t know how to drive.” The combination of snow and ice created hazardous conditions for all motorists, contributing to the school delays and closures.
Power Outages and Restoration Efforts
High winds exacerbated the situation, downing tree branches and power lines across the Garden State. Fallen branches blocked sections of the Mount Holly bypass, and thousands of residents were left without power. Governor Mikie Sherrill reported significant progress in restoration efforts, but acknowledged ongoing challenges.
“We’ve had over 250,000 people restored to service. We still have a lot to go, but we’re hoping to get everybody back up online within the next 24-48 hours,” Governor Sherrill stated. As of Monday afternoon, approximately 12,000 customers in Burlington County remained without power.
County Response and Shelter Information
Burlington County deployed around 70 trucks to clear snow during the peak of the storm. County Commissioner Allison Eckel explained that the storm’s intensity and the weight of the snow complicated response efforts and could lead to further school delays. “What sets this apart from last month’s snowstorm is the weight. This is a heavier snow, and it came down a lot faster. So we’re seeing a lot of tree limbs that are down, power lines, so we’re seeing power outages that have actually increased through the day,” Eckel said.
Several towns have opened shelters for residents without power or heat. Residents seeking shelter information are advised to contact their local police departments. The impact of the storm extends beyond immediate safety concerns, with school delays disrupting routines and creating logistical challenges for families.
For more information on winter weather safety, visit the Ready.gov Winter Weather page.
