County ready to battle snow as spring arrives

Public Works crews prepping roads and monitoring storm | Emergency Management is ready to assist, if needed

Meteorologists are predicting significant snowfall overnight in Monmouth County and the Department of Public Works and Engineering is preparing County roads and monitoring the anticipated storm.

“County road crews have been spreading liquid salt brine on County roads since Monday afternoon in advance of the threat of snow,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering. “The County’s snow room will open this evening and we will monitor the storm’s progress. Our process helps us manage the personnel needed at the County’s ten highway districts and dispatch crews as needed.”

According to the National Weather Service, snow, which may be heavy at times, is expected to begin tonight and taper off by Wednesday evening.

“If you must be on the roads, please exercise caution and if you come across plows and sand trucks, make sure to give them room to do their work,” said Arnone. “We have 225 trucks and equipment outfitted with spreading and plowing capabilities.”

Just as the County Public Works crews prepare and plan for winter storms, residents should prepare and plan as well.

“Now is the time to make sure your home and your vehicle are ready for whatever weather comes our way,” said Freeholder Patrick Impreveduto, liaison to the County Office of Emergency Management. “Make sure that you have snow shovels, snow brushes and rock salt or one of the more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.”

Environmental Protection Agency has a complete list of recommended products that are safe for the environment and your home.

Ready.gov, the national emergency preparedness website has many resources and checklists to help residents plan and prepare for storms and other emergencies. Links to these resources are available on the Monmouth County website. You can also follow Monmouth County Government on Facebook and Twitter for emergency information.

The County maintains about 1,000 lane miles of roads, 35 building complexes and the Belford Ferry Terminal along with assisting municipalities.