Sunday’s powerful winter storm dumped heavy snow across New Jersey, leaving several local towns with some of the highest snowfall totals in the state and creating hazardous road conditions that are expected to linger.
Lakewood received approximately 8 inches of snow, while nearby Jackson and Howell each recorded about 8.6 inches – just below the highest recorded total of 8.7 inches recorded in Metuchen. Toms River saw roughly 8.1 inches, and Manchester Township measured about 8.2 inches, according to National Weather Service data.
While snowplows were on the roads shortly after the snowfall ended, many roadways remain icy, particularly on side streets and less-traveled roads. Officials who spoke with Lakewood Alerts said the lingering slick conditions are the result of weather factors that are ideal for ice formation, including temperatures and refreezing, limiting how quickly crews can fully clear all surfaces.
There isn’t much more that can be done right now beyond continued treatment and plowing, officials said, noting that even well-treated roads can refreeze under current conditions.
Drivers are being urged to slow down, take it easy, and allow extra time for travel as crews continue working to improve road conditions. Motorists should use extra caution on residential streets, intersections, and shaded areas where ice is most likely to persist.
Lakewood did not do a very good job cleaning the roads.