Snow, Snow And More Snow

The weather outside is frightful indeed, and some reports say it will continue to be so until early Saturday. Springfield is acting accordingly.

Township offices closed today at 12:30 p.m., as did the public library.

While schools in neighboring towns have announced early dismissals, Springfield schools have not made any changes to their schedules; after-school activities have been canceled. Students will be told to leave the building at the end of school. Edward V. Walton School's aftercare program will remain open until all children are picked up. St James Catholic School will hold a full day of class, but is encouraging parents to pick up their children.

The township's Public Works department has been hard at work since 10 a.m., when they started plowing the mountain area of town, which sees greater snow accumulation because of its elevation. The department began salting roads early this afternoon, and has been clearing main roads for most of the day. The department typically waits until two inches of snow has fallen before they plow, but started clearing other township roads at about 1 p.m. even though the accumulation was under that threshold.

Assistant Public Works administrator Joe Sarno said that downed branches, trees and power lines are a definite concern with today's wet snow and the high winds expected for tonight. When crews spot downed power lines, they alert the power company to cancel the current, and work with power company workers to clear the road.

This is the third major storm of the season, which is a mixed blessing for the public works department.

"In one respect, it's easier because everyone knows their jobs and they're familiar with the roads," Sarno said. "But in another respect it's more difficult because the equipment is taxed more."

Sarno added that the machines have been maintained between storms, and that they have enough salt to last.

NJ Transit announced Thursday afternoon that it will offer full systemwide cross-honoring starting at 5 a.m. Thursday. This allows customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternative travel mode—rail, bus or light rail.

Tonight's Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m.