By: Richard L. Smith
We are waking up at 4 a.m. to the calm before the storm in Newark and the North Jersey region as my friends and family brace for another winter storm event.
The National Weather Service has forecasted a winter storm, moving in from the west, to unleash several inches of snow and treacherous freezing rain across the state on Friday morning.
This marks the second storm within a week to challenge the region, potentially wreaking havoc on roads and disrupting daily routines.
Anticipating the severe weather, numerous schools across Essex, Bergen, and Hudson Counties, including Newark and Irvington Township, have announced closures or delays, prioritizing the safety of staff and students.
The snow is expected to start falling lightly around 6 a.m., intensifying around noon and bringing snowy conditions and some dangerous ice.
Friday's forecast suggests a high near 30 degrees, with wind chill values between 20 and 25 and a northeast wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. The chance of precipitation is pegged at 80%, with new snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
As the storm continues into Friday night, The National Weather Service said there's a 50% chance of snow before 10 p.m., followed by cloudy skies that will gradually clear.
Temperatures will dip to around 17 degrees, with wind chill values between 5 and 15.
Residents are urged to exercise caution, consider the viability of working from home, and stay informed as this wicked winter continues to challenge the East Coast.
IMAGE: File