New Jersey residents stocking up for several inches of snow; Winter Storm Warnings for multiple counties
CLARK, N.J. -- There are Winter Storm Warnings already in place in New Jersey in advance of the big snowstorm expected to hit the area early Tuesday.
The white stuff is expected to start coming down after midnight and road crews were on standby Monday trying to figure out if they should prepare for rain first and then snow, or just snow.
Residents were also hitting hardware stores for last-minute snow gear and tools.
"This is the kids' shovel. So I have two kids. I am going to get one red and one blue, their favorite colors, and that's one of their chores," said Jennifer Henderson of Clark.
Henderson rushed to Ace Hardware store in Clark to make sure her family is ready for whatever Mother Nature brings.
"We broke our shovels and my kids need new shovels, so we are preparing for the storm that has wildly changed in the past few minutes," Henderson said.
"The wife, she wants the shovels. This is what she ordered. Get what they want," resident David Gelpke said, adding he's definitely not in charge in his house.
Customers loaded up on rock salt. Some were wearing clothes fit for spring as they prepped for a significant storm during a winter season that has seen little snowfall.
"I am on my lunch break right now getting some driveway melter for mom so she has no trouble getting around tomorrow," said Jim Young of Clark.
Augie Tobia, the store's owner, said he is stocked up with winter-fighting equipment.
"We have plenty of snow shovels. We do have snow blowers in stock. I actually have additional ice melt coming in tomorrow, if the truck makes it here on time," Tobia said.
Store employees, though, had spring on their mind.
"Preparing for the snowstorm for tomorrow and setting up for spring. It's a little weird," manager Rebecca Bouman said. "We have to get everything out by March 1 so everyone can get the fertilizer, grass seed, the Miracle Grow and plant food, and everything and get ready."
Some New Jersey counties are expecting more than 8 inches of snow. Salt trucks were on standby in Westfield and across the state.
Effective at midnight, a commercial vehicle travel restriction will be in place on multiple interstate highways. The state Department of Transportation has its crews and more than 2,500 pieces of equipment ready to respond, as needed.
The Morris County Office of Emergency Management also has extra staff on hand.
"We'll be out, our 911 operators will be ready to take calls, and our road crews will be positioned where they need to be throughout the county," director Jeffrey Paul said.
Gov. Phil Murphy said the Garden State is prepared.
"The Department of Transportation ... is coordinating with NJ Transit and other transportation partners to ensure our roadways are properly plowed and maintained for motorists in the roads, as well as folks taking public transit," Murphy said.
The governor said the state is also working with public utilities companies to make sure everyone can confront any power issues.
Stick with our First Alert Weather team for the latest timeline and totals from the storm.