The latest forecast is calling for the snow to end by 4 p.m.
The powerful nor’easter storm system that has moved up the East Coast this week is now bringing snow and wind to Camden County. Based on the strength of this winter weather event classes at Camden County College have been cancelled and the Camden County Animal Shelter will not open today. The Camden County Prosecutors Office is closed today. There may be other closures during the day depending on the evolution of the storm, but as of now, all other Camden County offices and departments are operating and will be open for their regular business hours.
Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, liaison to the public works department, said crews have been working since early this morning and that plow trucks are operating in all 12 winter weather districts.
“Our public works crews are braving the continued snowfall and wind gusts to keep roadways passable across Camden County. The latest forecast is calling for the snow to taper off by 4 p.m. after delivering up to a half-a-foot of snow to our area,” Shin Angulo said. “Anyone on the roadways this morning should be prepared to encounter low visibility and slick road conditions and significant delays. We ask that motorists leave at least six car lengths behind our trucks while they work and to pull vehicles off the roadway and into driveways.”
Public works crews are treating more than 1,200 lane miles of county road battling the blizzard like conditions with 100 pieces of equipment. In addition to the county plowing operation the Code Blue remains in effect and warming centers and shelters are open today and later into the week until the deep freeze breaks.
“If you are able to work from home today please do and if you need to go into work please consider taking public transportation,” Shin Angulo continued. “Residents need to take into account the weather is still frigid and that is important to check on your neighbors and ensure pets are not outside during this storm for a prolonged period of time. Furthermore, homeowners need to take precautions against freezing pipes and other challenges directly related to this blast of arctic air.”
The Camden County Freeholder Board offers assistance to senior citizens and disabled residents who are unable to remove significant amounts of snow accumulation from their properties.
“The snow removal program is available to help seniors and disabled individuals get out of their homes for necessities such as prescriptions or medical appointments,” said Freeholder Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Department of Corrections. “The program uses Camden County Jail inmates who are carefully screened, non-violent offenders who are guarded at all times on the job site by corrections officers.”
- The Snow Removal Program will go into effect only after 4 inches of snow has fallen on the ground in our area.
- At-risk senior and disabled residents can contact the Camden County Division of Emergency Management at (856) 783–4808 ext. 5060, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
- Calls for snow removal will not be taken until after it has stopped snowing.
- Work Crews will be dispatched only after it has stopped snowing. The work crews will remove snow only during daylight hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Crews will respond to calls in the order they are received and will service as many residents as possible each day. There are no guaranteed times when the crews will arrive at a residence.
- Senior and Disabled residents must call after each substantial snowfall to request this service.
The Department of Corrections will supply the needed equipment. The program does not supply salt or ice-melting chemicals, but crews will dispense them if supplied by residents. Contact and conversation between the inmates and the public are prohibited. Gratuities and gifts or money, food, drink or any other item is strictly prohibited.
In the event that the weather causes isolated power outages, please remember to immediately call your utility company so they can identify the location and coordinate crews to restore your power. This storm has the potential to bring down trees and power lines. Residents need to be extra cognizant of any power failures.
Below are numbers and contact info for the two power providers in Camden County:
- PSE&G: 1–800–436-PSEG (7734)
- PSEG website: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp
- Atlantic City Electric: 1–800–833–7476
- Atlantic City Electric website: http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/
- South Jersey Gas: 1–800–582–7060
- South Jersey Gas website: http://southjerseygas.com/
As always, please use 911 for emergencies only. If you see a problem on a county road, please call our 24-hour hotline at (856) 566–2980 to report it to DPW.
Continue to check www.camdencounty.com through the storm for weather and road condition updates. Information will also be provided through Facebook and Twitter.
