Blues, yellows, oranges and reds painted the sky Sunday night as the sun set over a thick blanket of fluffy, white snow in Springfield.
Snow began to flurry at around 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon, picked up in intensity at 4pm, and was at its heaviest by 7 p.m as it continued early Sunday morning. Snow total measurements across Springfield today averaged between eight and nine inches. Those totals didn't compare to areas of southern New Jersey and Long island, where residents there reported upwards of two feet of snow.
While shovelers were braving the cold to rid their driveways and sidewalks of snow, some children and their parents were out and about, making the most of a day others used as an excuse to stay home. Â Around town, snowball fights and sledding races were spotted at Irwin Park and the Meisel Avenue drain, respectively.
Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Shoppers packed neighborhood grocery stores Saturday morning in preparation for the storm. Food King was so busy that it declined a telephone interview due to the volume of customers.
On Friday, Ken Homlish, Supervisor of Public Works, told Springfield Patch that his department was prepared for the storm, with their five large plows, 10 smaller plows, and salt trucks on hand.
Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Given the financial condition of our town and municipalities across the state, a big concern is snow on the weekends and the overtime impact to the budget," said Township Committeeman Ziad Shehady.
He said that he has yet to receive any complaints, and that he believes the Department of Public Works cleaned all municipal roads to a consistent, safe standard. Â "The first major snow storm of the season was nothing our DPW couldn't handle and they rose to the challenge," Shehady said. Â Â
"I am interested in receiving both positive and negative feedback from residents," he continued, "so that I may relay it to our DPW."
Will the snow stick around long enough to allow for a white Christmas? Either way, meteorologists are tracking another weather system that may be headed for the area later this week.
Winter officially begins tomorrow at 12:47 p.m.