New Jersey State Of Emergency Lifted After Messy Morning Commute, Snow Cleanup Underway – CBS New York
ELIZABETH, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A state of emergency Friday in New Jersey has been lifted after a significant winter storm caused a messy morning commute.
But what a difference a few hours made. By noon, the sun was shining in Elizabeth and it felt like a beautiful winter day, CBS2’s Natalie Duddridge reported.
READ MORE: Winter Storm Snarls I-95 North Of New York City, Suburbs Scramble To Clear Snow
It was a much different scene in the morning. Mobile 2 checked out conditions on the New Jersey Turnpike before 8 a.m. when snow was falling at a rate of an inch per hour.
There was a commercial vehicle ban on most of the major interstates, but not the turnpike.
While Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, the National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings or advisories in all 21 counties.
The snow was to blame for several early-morning crashes. Route 18 in New Brunswick was closed due to an overturned tractor-trailer.
Watch: NJ DOT Commissioner On Snowstorm
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State offices had a delayed opening at 11 a.m. Many schools announced snow days or other schedule changes. No major power outages were reported.
Communities prepared overnight. The Essex County Department of Public Safety said it had more than 200 trucks out to make sure roads are clear.
“On the west side of Essex, there’s about eight inches of snow. Why we were so lucky is the snow is so fluffy and so soft, and I’m sure it’s going to melt very, very quickly. The only thing that we’re doing right now is we’re salting the roads,” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo.
“I love the snow,” one child said.
“I love snow, but I’d rather be in the heat,” another person said.
“The conditions were great, but the snow is a little late. Where was this on Christmas?” said another person.
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A handful of NJ Transit trains and buses were still experiencing weather-related delays around noon, but officials expected the issues to be cleared up soon.