SNOBOKEGEDDOPOCALYZZARD ’17: Buy Whiskey Now, Hoboken…

As we mentioned last week, March weather is dumb.

It was 55 degrees a few days ago, and now we’re potentially facing the biggest snow event in recent memory.

Of course there are variables—bands may shift, timing is hard to say, and total impact is difficult to predict. However, we are officially under a BLIZZARD WARNING from midnight tonight until midnight Tuesday.

On hMAG’s unofficial “Think About Buying Beer” to “Buy Whiskey Now” scale, this is a “Buy Whiskey Now” scenario.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions…making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel…have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded…stay with your vehicle.

Hazard Types…Heavy Snow and Blizzard Conditions. Snow may mix
with or change to sleet and rain across southern and eastern
coastal areas late Tuesday morning into Tuesday afternoon.

* Snow Accumulations…12 to 20 inches…highest amounts to the
north and west.

* Snowfall Rates…2 to 4 inches per hour early Tuesday morning
into early Tuesday afternoon.

* Timing…Late tonight into Tuesday evening.

* Impacts…Dangerous travel due to whiteout conditions at times.
Several roads may become impassable. Power outages possible.
Damaging wind gusts possible across Long Island and coastal
Connecticut.

* Winds…Northeast 25 to 35 mph with gusts 40 to 55 mph on
Tuesday. Highest winds across coastal areas.

* Temperatures…In the upper 20s.

* Visibilities…One quarter mile or less at times.

Graphic via @HobokenWx

The City of Hoboken Office of Emergency Management has declared a snow emergency in advance of a major winter storm forecast to impact our area. Parking will be prohibited on snow routes effective 8:00pm on Monday, March 13, 2017 until further notice.

Vehicles parked on Snow Emergency Routes are subject to ticketing and towing as of 8:00pm on Monday, March 13. Snow Emergency Routes in Hoboken are labeled with street signs that read “No Parking When Road Is Snow Covered.” A complete map of snow routes is available by clicking HERE.

Furthermore, Temporary No Parking signs will also be posted on 12th Street between Willow Avenue and Clinton Street, the north side of 13th Street west of Clinton Street, and Jefferson Street between 14th Street and 15th Street to accommodate buses and snow removal operations. The City is providing reduced rate parking in municipal Garage B (located on 2nd Street between Hudson and River Streets) and Garage D (215 Hudson Street) beginning Monday, March 13th at 8:00pm through Wednesday, March 15th at 8:00pm for $5 per 12 hour period for residents with a valid Resident parking permit or Temporary parking permit placard. In addition, Hoboken residents with disabilities who possess either a handicapped license plate or hang tag for their permitted vehicle may also park in the Midtown garage (371 4th Street) for the same reduced rate. Garage space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and garages will frequently fill before the discount takes effect.

Garbage and recycling pickup remains on schedule, but enforcement of alternate side parking (street cleaning) regulations will be suspended Tuesday, March 14 and Wednesday, March 15. Parking meters will still be enforced.

With wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour, residents are asked to bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies and secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury. Construction sites must secure or take down cranes and scaffolding and secure all materials.

Property owners/occupants are reminded that they have six hours after the completion of a storm to remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property, along with adjoining wheelchair ramps or curb cuts. Residents are urged to assist elderly or disabled neighbors with clearing snow from their properties. It is illegal to shovel snow back onto streets or onto fire hydrants. the City will issue fines to those who do not keep sidewalks clear.

The City will open an Emergency Operations Center starting on Monday, March 13 at 8:00pm. Residents may call the Command Center at 201-239-6644 to report unplowed streets, unshoveled sidewalks, or other non-emergency issues. Please do not call the Police Department with non-emergency issues. For all emergencies, please call 911. To report an unplowed street, unshoveled sidewalk, or other problem, residents can submit an online complaint via www.hoboken311.com or via the Hoboken 311 mobile application.