Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Director of Public Safety Anthony F. Ambrose, and Director of Public Works Khalif Thomas announced today that the City is declaring a State of Emergency at 8 p.m. this evening, in advance of a storm expected to hit Newark this evening with rain beginning at 10 p.m., turning to snow at midnight, which is expected to leave between four and eight inches on the city.
City Hall will close early tomorrow in response to the storm, and non-essential operations will be shut down. That will not apply to police, fire, and emergency response. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads and in their homes after 8 p.m. tonight.
The City will also suspend all bulk trash pick-up tomorrow, Wednesday, March 7, and open its Emergency Operations Center at 480 Clinton Avenue at 5 a.m. the same day, to manage the clean-up. All residents are asked to observe the city’s “NO PARKING WHEN ROADS ARE SNOW COVERED” ordinance, which will be enforced.
“Winter weather is once again challenging the people of Newark and we will once again meet this challenge with the professionalism of our municipal emergency operations team and first responders and the unity of our people,” Mayor Baraka said. “I urge my fellow Newark residents to take precautions, follow our ordinances, and stay informed.”
Violators may be issued a summons and towed. These regulations are essential to the removal/plowing of snow and salting operations. Whenever possible, off-street parking is recommended during snow storms. New signs have been posted on streets throughout the City of Newark to notify motorists of the roads designated for no parking during snow storms. Motorists and residents are urged to look for signs to identify the streets where the parking ban will be enforced.
All residents are reminded that tossing snow into the street is against the law, and violators will be fined.
The Department of Public Safety is coordinating responses to weather-related emergencies and other incidents through the combined use of Police, Fire, Office of Emergency Management Personnel, and other city services at the Emergency Operations Center.