This looks to be the biggest storm by far of the winter so far, and it comes in the middle of March. This storm is nothing to play with and all preparations need to be finished by this afternoon caution officials.

Photo by Justin Louis
Photo by Justin Louis
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While it may be sunny today and Wednesday, the in-between weather looks to be filled with heavy snow, wind and even some rain.

Meteorologist Dan Zarrow says 6-12 inches are possible for most of Ocean County while the north and west parts of the county and Monmouth may see totals in upwards of a foot or more.

 

Ocean County Roads Supervisor Tom Curcio says their prep-work for this upcoming storm began following Friday's winter weather and continued under sunny skies this weekend.

"I had guys in all day on Sunday, making brine and putting it down," said Curcio. "They're continuing to put it down today."

He adds that crews will be ready to roll out as the storm begins to reach the shore and will stay out there through its duration.

Monmouth County Director of Public Works John Tobia says they have enough of the salt and brine mix.

"Salt capacity in Monmouth County is 30,000-tons and we are at full capacity for that," said Tobia.

He adds that they have 185-pieces of equipment including trucks and loaders ready for the storm.

"Through the weekend we were pre-treating county roads and facilities along with assisting municipalities by treating some of their roads under our shared services program," said Tobia. "That operation will continue through today."

Curcio says even with a big storm heading our way late Monday, they have more than enough salt and brine to last them through storm-prep and clean up.

"We have three different garages that make the brine and they each hold ten-thousand gallons of brine," said Curcio. "It's a process to make but we have plenty."

When crews arrive around midnight, he says, each will be supplied with enough salt to clean up the roads throughout Ocean County.

If we do receive the anticipated snowfall, Curcio explains that road crews will naturally have to slow down and adjust to the conditions.

"The biggest thing is that if we have heavy winds and some rain, we'll see trees coming down," said Curcio. "We also have the task of cleaning that up if trees fall down on a county road."

He adds that they're prepared for any potential situation that may arise as a result of the storm.

Tobia is looking ahead to some of the other storm issues.

"The ongoing issue going from thru late Tuesday night into Wednesday is going to be the winds," said Tobia. "We will have drifting areas throughout the county and will monitor those and salt those areas as required."

Tobia says they'll be opening up their emergency operations center at 5 pm Monday to monitor the movements of the storm, and urges residents to make safety a priority.

"If you don't have to go out, we're recommending everybody stay home and allow the plow operators to do their job until the storm passes," said Tobia.

The snowfall is expected to gain serious steam in the overnight hours, when most people wouldn't be on the roadways anyway, but even when you get up tomorrow Curcio sides with Tobia in cautioning everyone to stay indoors for their own safety.

"The roads are going to be horrible tomorrow, the snow is supposed to come down in some spots up to 3 inches an hour," said Curcio. "If you don't need to be on the road, your best not to go out. Just stay home and keep warm."

He adds that it's easier to clear the roads with less traffic on them.

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