New Jersey Digs Out Following Snowstorm
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Most New Jersey residents spent the better part of Friday digging out their cars and shoveling walkways following a winter storm that dropped up to 10 inches of snow in some areas and ushered in bitterly cold temperatures rarely seen in the region.
Plenty of employers told workers to stay home as slick roads and blowing snow made for a treacherous commute where speeds were slow and some vehicles still spun into ditches or got stuck in snowbanks.
One New Jersey Transit bus slid backward down an icy hill in Paterson and crashed into a carpet store. The driver was the only person on the bus and she sustained minor injuries.
Gov. Chris Christie ordered nonessential state workers to stay home for the day. State offices and courthouses were closed Friday, as well as municipal offices in several towns.
"I encourage all New Jerseyans to stay off the roads if possible so that our first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to any emergency situations," Christie said earlier.
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Many communities also closed schools Friday. In Ho-Ho-Kus, one little boy took advantage of the snow day and braved the frigid temperatures to go sledding.
Jersey City Works To Clear Snow, Keep Homeless Safe
NJ TRANSIT cross-honored tickets system-wide through the end of the service day Friday.
The rail system was operating on an enhanced weekend schedule and both buses and light rail are using a regular weekday schedule.
More than one-fourth of Friday's outgoing flights were canceled at Newark Liberty Airport, according to FlightAware, a flight-tracking web site. Many incoming flights also faced delays.
North Jersey Kids Out Sledding On Snow Day
After the snow ended, the state was left with bitter cold. Wind chills were around 0 degrees in some places and were expected to be even colder as the night went on.
NJ Government, Many Schools Closed Due To Snow
Despite the freezing temperatures, many braved the cold, even just for a little bit, CBS 2's Jessica Schneider reported.
Debbie Zeiler said she didn't mind the snow and cold.
"I like it. I like the seasons. As long as you dress for the weather, it's good," she said.
Some Paramus High Schoolers had some fun with their Razor ATV out in the park on their day off from school. But even the teens were having trouble roughing it out through the cold.
"Just freezing -- we had to stop several times at our houses to change. It's so cold out!" Matt Criscione said.
By Sunday, forecasters said they expect temperatures to return to normal before plunging again next week.
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