Winter Storm: In Northwestern New Jersey, 'As Soon As We Plow It, It's Covered Again'
NEW JERSEY (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey is in a state of emergency due to the powerful winter storm impacting our area.
Along 46 East in Parsippany the snow was falling so fast you could barely see the roadway, CBS2's Lisa Rozner reported.
LINK: Check The Latest Forecast
There were at least 10 cars disabled and three accidents in Parsippany alone Monday.
Watch Lisa Rozner's report:
Amidst the quickly accumulating snow and strong wind, some drivers had to pull over and dig out.
Every hour brings around two inches of snow, according to Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano.
Mobile 2 Checking Out Winter Storm Road ConditionsMobile 2 is checking out road conditions around our area during this powerful nor'easter. Watch more on CBSN New York: http://cbsloc.al/cbsnnewyork
Posted by CBS New York on Monday, February 1, 2021
"Almost as soon as we plow it, it's covered again. So we have to stay on top of it constantly," Soriano said.
Sewer and parks department employees are part of the 45 crews covering the town's 200 miles of roadway.
"78 was a mess, and 287 were a mess, plus the conditions are - as the snow has picked up, it's a whiteout," said Parsippany resident Kevin Smith.
As of 3:00 p.m., we have responded to 583 motor vehicle crashes and 839 motorist aids in NJSP patrolled areas since 6:00 p.m. Sunday.
— NJSP - State Police (@NJSP) February 1, 2021
Motorist aids can be anything from flat tires, mechanical breakdowns, spin outs, etc. We urge residents to remain off of the roads. pic.twitter.com/hcj5SyoDrW
By Monday afternoon, New Jersey State Police had already responded to almost 583 car crashes and nearly 839 motorists needing help.
The Lakewood News Service reported a crash earlier Monday in Freehold.
WHOA! Earlier in Freehold. (Credit: Perfect Collision) pic.twitter.com/VzuG2T4KZc
— Lakewood News Network (@LakewoodNewsNet) February 1, 2021
Mobile 2 showed anyone driving on Route 17 had a slow go, and on Route 4 as well.
The treacherous conditions are why Empire Diner owner Bobby Shizas tucked in at his restaurant just before midnight Sunday.
"I sleep here overnight. I don't go home," he said.
Watch: Gov. Phil Murphy Gives Storm Update
But customers trickled out as the snow accumulated into the afternoon Monday.
"Just a snow day tradition, I guess. You know - and we like it here," said Parsippany resident Paul Card.
PHOTOS: Winter Storm Socks Tri-State Area
With hours to go before the worst was over, some Bergen County residents were already digging out, CBS2's Nick Caloway reported Monday night.
Others used the blast of snow as an excuse to dust off their sleds and conquer a hill in Ridgewood.
"Kids are loving it. No school. They love it," said Kyle Ricketts. "I shoveled for about three hours today. So, I'm kind of loving it. But it's good for the exercise."
WATCH: Vanessa Murdock reports from Tenafly, New Jersey --
More than a foot of snow - and counting - created chaos for drivers who spent the day trying not to get stuck.
"I mean, this is pretty incredible. I know I've been stuck out there twice already today. The Ridgewood Police Department had to bail me out on one of them," said Marcello Bustamante.
Related: Winter Storm Brings Coastal Flooding To Parts Of New Jersey; Vaccinations, PATH Service Suspended
Snow plows are running around the clock. And they're still barely keeping up.
"We're close to two feet of snow in some areas of the county right now. And that's a pretty big snowstorm here," said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco.
Tedesco said too many people are on the roads under a state of emergency.
WATCH: Bergen County Winter Storm Update:
"People should not be out. They should not be out. That's what it means. Unless you have to go to a hospital, or unless you need something that's critical to your life or your family's life from a health standpoint, you should be staying home," Tedesco said.
LINK: Winter Storm Survival Guide
CBS2's Lisa Rozner and Nick Caloway contributed to this report.
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