NJ Readies For Winter Storm; Plows Prepped For Up To 1 Foot Of Snow

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- So far this year, just under a foot of snow stuck to the ground, which is much less than the foot and a half of snow that's typical for this time of year.

But with one quick hit of snow on Thursday, we'll be approaching what's normal for an entire season - which is just over two feet.

In anticipation of the massive snowstorm, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has ordered that state offices will be closed for non-essential employees on Tuesday.

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As CBS2's Vanessa Murdock reported, people were thrilled with the balmy conditions on Wednesday – or at least they would be if a snowstorm weren't bearing down.

Late Wednesday afternoon, teens were playing basketball as if it were April or May – and dreading the prospect of shoveling the next day.

"Today's weather is dynamite," one resident said.

"It's crazy, no? Sixty degrees -- then tomorrow, we're going to get snow – crazy, ain't it?" said Steven Dimitrio of Paterson.

"Weather's confusing us a little bit, but while it's here, we'll enjoy it," said Giorgio Nadi of Paramus.

On Thursday, the Nadi family of four plans to hunker down for most of the day. But they will venture outside briefly for 4-year-old Matteo's favorite pastime when the weather turns white.

"Making a snowman!" Matteo said.

There will be plenty of snow to do just that on Thursday, and more than enough to create serious problems on the roads. To ensure the safest travel possible when conditions get ugly, preparations began well ahead of time.

CBS2 caught a familiar scene with to Drone Force 2 - the Public Works Department brining roadways across the village of Ridgewood.

While some workers wore short sleeves and enjoyed the weather, they were well aware overcoats, hats and gloves are required on Thursday morning.

"We're loading our salters now, we'll have them loaded -- calcium chloride in them," Ridgewood Superintendent of Public Works Daniel Kiely said.

In addition, the Department of Public Works is anticipating a delivery of 200 more pounds of salt to help aid in cleanup efforts and maintenance through the storm.

Area officials are preparing for eight to 10 inches of snow. Trucks are tuned up, plows are on -- everyone and everything on standby for Thursday's main event.

"Snow always looks beautiful but the residuals are not always pretty," Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen said. "We're ready to roll, we're ready take on this snow storm."

Knudsen advises residents to stay off the roads when the snow starts to stick, and to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly.

The Morris County Office of Emergency management told CBS2 it is in storm prep mode.

"We have our road crews fully activated, as well as our vendors that support snow plowing operations," said Morris County OEM Director Jeffrey Paul.

The 911 center is fully staffed. OEM hopes community members will be mindful of road conditions tomorrow.

To the east, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco has called for all hands on deck from the agencies that keep the area safe.

"It's quite an operation, but we do it rea well," Tedesco said.

He said plow crews are prepped to clear away up to 12 inches of snow on these streets.

"DPW, Parks, General Services, and also all emergency response," he said. "I think you'll see most everything here in Bergen County will probably be shut down."

For others, the snow is a welcome opportunity to make some extra cash, as residents flock to stores to stock up on supplies.

"We'll probably sell a couple hundred snow shovels, hopefully we'll have 20 to 25,000 pounds of ice melt and it would be nice if we could wake up tomorrow morning with nothing left," one Ramsey store owner told 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck.

"Hopefully, we don't get as much snow as they're predicting," said Adrienne Parker of Waldwick.

But Harper is preparing for more. She kust picked up his and her shovels from Home Hardware, where employee Gary Roupenian said they are selling like hotcakes.

"I guess the news you know - the news - remains to be seen," Roupenian said. "Could sell some sunblock today too, I think."

But they have not sold any sunblock. The focus is on the snow, and people seem to be set stocking up on salt, shovels and perishables from the grocery store.

Sandy Setka of Cliffside Park was heading home with trunk full of groceries.

"I came here and said, 'I can't believe all these people are here,'" Setka told CBS2's Jessica Layton. "Every time there's a storm, I guess everyone goes crazy."

Of course, typical staples like bread, milk, even frozen waffles were in high demand at local stores.

"It's really like the big first snowstorm of the season," Setka said.

And many are planning to do absolutely nothing on Thursday.

"Stay home, practice my harp, eat my chicken and rice, and leave my car in the garage," said Lynn Vanengel of Ridgewood.

Jack from Fair Lawn said he was planning to get some Thai food and hunker down.

"Hopefully it'll go quick, but we need some snow. It's time," he said.

Another woman told Murdock her most important priority was to grab a bottle of red wine before the storm hits.

Forecasters say rain will change to snow with accumulations of four to eight inches across most of the Tri-State, but some spots in New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut could see up to 10 inches.

The heavy snow will slow traffic during the morning drive Thursday and threaten power lines.

A winter storm warning is in effect from midnight until 6 p.m. Thursday for New York City, Nassau County, southern Connecticut, the lower Hudson Valley and northeastern New Jersey.

For Suffolk County, a blizzard warning has been issued.

Stay with CBSNewYork.com for all the latest weather updates.

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