MORRIS COUNTY — The storm forecast continues to be complicated. We are expecting snow this afternoon/evening beginning around 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and continuing through midnight, at which point we may see a switch to freezing rain and sleet. Moderate to heavy rain and then a freezing rain/snow mix will continue until midday Sunday.
Some of the models have decreased snow totals to 2-5″, while others are holding with the 3-6”. We may also see ice totals between 0.10-0.25″. Timing and amounts can and probably will change, moving forward, so keep that in mind (icing could occur longer). Regardless, we expect that we will have a high risk of a flash freeze Sunday morning due to rain followed by sharply falling temperatures. Temperatures will be all over the place. 30’s today through tomorrow morning (but for any ice timing you can infer a temperature of about 30-32F), dropping into the 20s Sunday afternoon, then down to a low of 8F Sunday night.
Here is our public concern for Sunday, when you look out and see that the snow has tapered off and the roadways appear drivable the roads may be covered in ice and that is where we (first responders) potentially will see our issues escalate with increased motor vehicle accidents, injuries etc.
The road crews will aggressively be taking care of our roadways, plowing, salting etc. That does not however mean that you should get into a vehicle and drive. We all need to be vigilant and maintain a good situational awareness of all of the weather conditions. We all need to pay attention to the temperatures and refreeze issues and be smart about any possible travel plans that may be best to be placed on a temporary hold until it is safe.
