Storm Watch: New Jersey Residents Preparing For Possible Power Outages From Latest Snowstorm
NEW JERSEY (CBSNewYork) -- Snow on the roads is just one of the concerns with this storm in New Jersey.
State police said they responded to more than 400 car accidents Thursday and more than 250 drivers who needed help.
Plus, snow and ice on power lines could lead to outages, CBS2's Meg Baker reported.
Residents are stocking up and preparing for power outages as the latest winter storm hits the state.
Baker spoke with people grabbing food and getting home as the snow began to accumulate in Garwood.
Joanne and Steve Purdy were only in the ShopRite a few minutes and needed to clear off their car.
"We love the four seasons. Sometimes it's too hot in the summer. Sometimes it's too cold and snowy in the winter," Steve Purdy said.
LINKS: Check The Latest Forecast | Winter Storm Survival Guide
"I'm hopeful this is the end," Joanne Purdy added.
"It's pretty, but it's dangerous. There's a lot of black ice underneath," Cranford resident Sheamus Charles told Baker.
WATCH: Vanessa Murdock Reports From The Mobile Weather Lab In Edgewater --
"Pretty nasty for drivers," said Eli Ingram from Cranford.
"I figure I shouldn't take my car out. It's better walking," said AJ Pinoworski from Cranford.
Sabrina Ferreira had to brush her car off several times.
"It's just a lot of work," she said.
"I just came from the gym," said Westfield resident Tom Crispino. "I'm kind of done with it. So we'll see. Hopefully this is the last one of the year."
Neighborhoods were scenic but unplowed, as thick flakes came down in a hurry.
A group of friends decided to sled down an icy incline to get to the always-open gas station for a bite to eat.
"It's better than playing video games," one boy said.
Watch Meg Baker's report --
Snow covered roads, trees and powerlines lined Landing, Morris County.
Freehold saw some of the most accumulation, on top of what was already on the ground from three weeks of storms.
Other areas of Monmouth County, like Middletown, saw heavy snow and quick accumulation as plows went up and down Route 35.
Manalapan was hit with eight and a half inches of snow, one of the highest totals in the state.
"We were on the news a few times this morning for accidents," Manalapan resident Michelle Rich told CBS2's Jessica Layton.
Couples like Al and Michelle Rich were still digging out around dinner time.
"This is lighter than the big storm we had, like, two, three weeks ago ... but the cold, it just stinks," Al Rich said.
They hope this is the last time they're forced to fire up the snowblower this season, but then again...
"We said that two weeks ago," Al Rich said.
WATCH: Gov. Phil Murphy Gives Storm Update --
Visibility was poor in Caldwell, where Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo said crews will continue to use salt to combat ice.
"We'll have over 187 plows that will plow the snow and we will make sure our streets are black... as quickly as possible," DiVincenzo said.
Gov. Phil Murphy asked everyone to stay home and let the plows do their jobs.
"Please let them safely pass to clear the road ahead of you. Please do not pass, yourself, a working crew," he said.
State Police say they responded to about 500 crashes on Thursday alone.
Officials also warned of possible power outages.
"As long as that wind is not over 40 miles an hour, they are out there working, trying to restore power," Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso said.
REPORTING POWER OUTAGES IN NEW JERSEY:
"Should you lose power - we say this every time but -- please remember to call into your service provider. Don't assume that your neighbors have already done so," Murphy added.
Calls help power companies prioritize crews to fix outages.
It's also recommended to charge your devices, since the storm isn't over yet.
CBS2's Meg Baker, Jessica Layton and Vanessa Murdock contributed to this story.
