Barnegat And Manahawkin Residents Asked To Stay Off Roads To Ease Plowing

by Patricia A. Miller

Although roads in Barnegat and Manahawkin are passable, they are icy and snow-covered, according to a joint statement issued by Barnegat and Ocean township officials.

Public works crews worked through the night to clear the roughly 10 inches of snow that fell. But with brisk winds and frigid temperatures, snow is blowing back onto the roadways.

"At this time, officials are requesting that residents stay off the roads this morning to allow snow crews to effectively and safely perform their work," according to the news alert.

The extremely cold temperatures today and tonight will reduce the effectiveness of road salt, so drivers should expect slippery road conditions into the weekend.

Stafford Township received approximately 8.1 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

"Travel will be hazardous through this afternoon with blowing and drifting snow," the NWS said. "It is possible that the combination of blowing snow and wind creates near blizzard conditions at times, mainly closer to the coastal areas."

Expect a high of 29 degrees today, with northwest winds between 22 to 25 miles per hour, with gusts up to 39. Tonight will be bitterly cold with a low of 4 degrees and northwest winds between 7 to 17 miles per hour.

Temperatures that cold will greatly reduce the effectiveness of road salt so motorist should expect slippery road conditions well into the weekend.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when driving over the next couple of days and allow for extra time to reach their destinations.

Things begin to warm up on Saturday, with a high of 32 degrees and northwest winds between five to 11 miles per hour, gradually becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low of 24 degrees. Expect a high of 44 degrees on Sunday, with a chance of rain.

Snow plowing operations for Barnegat, Ocean and Stafford townships will continue through out the day.