By: STAFF
Yesterday, February 22, 2026, the Township of Irvington activated full emergency operations in response to the Blizzard Warning issued for our region. Heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, strong winds, and extreme cold impacted Irvington throughout Sunday and continued into today, Monday, February 23.
A Local State of Emergency was declared to allow every municipal department to mobilize personnel, equipment, and emergency resources to protect life, safety, and property.
This message is not just an operational update — it is a conversation with our community.
Our Crews Have Been Working Before, During, and After the Storm
The Department of Public Works began preparing before the storm arrived, pre-treating major roadways and staging equipment in anticipation of snowfall.
During the storm, crews worked continuously — plowing, salting, clearing intersections, and responding to hazards.
Overnight, they remained on duty.
As of today, crews continue widening streets and addressing secondary roads.
Our Police Department and Office of Emergency Management responded to several reports of downed trees and power lines throughout Irvington. Hazardous conditions remain in certain areas.
For your safety:
Please stay indoors if you can.
Avoid unnecessary travel.
Never approach downed wires — call 911immediately.
Our teams are working in difficult conditions because your safety matters.
Understanding Snow Removal — A Respectful Explanation
We understand that snowstorms bring inconvenience and frustration. Parking becomes limited. Streets narrow. Access can feel difficult.
It is important to clearly explain how municipal snow operations work.
The Township’s primary responsibility during a snow emergency is to:
Keep public roadways passable for police, fire, and EMS
Maintain safe driving lanes for essential travel
Apply salt and treatment materials
Respond to immediate hazards
The goal is safety and mobility.
When plows clear roads, snow must be pushed toward the curb to open travel lanes. That can temporarily impact curbside parking, but it is necessary to keep streets safe for emergency access and general traffic flow.
The Township is not legally responsible for:
Clearing individual parking spaces
Removing snow from driveway aprons
Clearing snow around private vehicles
Guaranteeing curbside parking access
Those responsibilities remain with property owners and residents.
Where Irvington Chose to Go Further
While the Township’s responsibility is limited to maintaining passable driving lanes, Mayor Tony Vauss made the decision to go beyond the minimum standard.
Under his direction, the Township:
Hired outside contractors to assist in snow removal
Conducted repeated plow passes to widen streets
Cleared curb lanes where possible
Removed heavy snow accumulations from major corridors
Focused additional attention on residential areas
These actions are not legally required.
They were taken because the Mayor cares deeply about residents being able to move safely throughout the Township.
When Irvington goes above and beyond, it is not out of obligation — it is out of commitment.
We share this so residents understand the level of coordination, cost, and effort involved.
Parking & Snow Operations
All parking regulations remained in effect, including alternate side parking.
Vehicles left on County roads were subject to towing so County plows could operate safely.
Residents are encouraged to use driveways or the following Municipal Parking Lots:
Smith Street / Orange Avenue Lot – 23 Orange Avenue
Civic Square Lot – 5 Civic Square
Union Avenue Lot – 341 Union Avenue
Irvington Bus Terminal Lot – 1085 Clinton Avenue
Nye Avenue Parking Garage – 566 Nye Avenue
When vehicles are not moved, plows cannot effectively clear curb areas. Cooperation allows operations to move faster and benefit everyone.
A Small But Important Safety Reminder About Shoveling Snow
After a snowstorm, when plows push snow toward parked cars, it is completely understandable that residents want to dig out quickly.
We recognize that sometimes there feels like nowhere else to put the snow.
However, when snow is shoveled or blown back into the middle of the street, it can create a new hazard. As temperatures drop, that snow freezes and forms ice patches that make driving conditions more dangerous later in the evening or the next day.
Whenever possible, we kindly ask residents to place cleared snow onto grassy areas, sidewalks, or other safe spaces — rather than back into the roadway.
This small act helps prevent icy conditions and protects everyone on the road.
Snow removal works best as a shared effort.
Public Safety & Emergency Resources
For immediate emergencies, call 911.
Office of Emergency Management
Main Office: (973) 399-6555
Email: JBrown@irvingtonnj.org
OEM Coordinator (Primary Contact): John F. Brown – (973) 419-2930
No Heat Hotline
If you lose heat or power:
Contact your utility provider first.
Then call the Irvington No Heat Hotline: (973) 399-6666
Warming & Shelter Assistance
Irvington Neighborhood Improvement Corporation – (973) 416-0916
Lebby C. Jones Senior Center – (973) 982-6951
Residents are advised to:
Avoid unnecessary travel
Allow extra time if travel is necessary
Secure outdoor items
Keep mobile devices charged
Monitor official Township updates
A Word About Social Media & Community Courtesy
Sometimes information shared online may not be fully accurate or complete. While emotions can run high during storms, sharing unverified information can unintentionally create confusion or unnecessary concern.
We kindly ask residents to:
Verify information before sharing it
Engage respectfully with one another
Avoid personal attacks or negative commentary
Help calm situations rather than escalate them
We are all experiencing the same storm.
Irvington is strongest when we treat one another with patience, dignity, and understanding.
Let us use our voices to support, inform, and uplift — not divide.
Moving Forward Together
As of today, February 23, crews continue widening streets and addressing secondary areas as conditions allow. Cold temperatures may prolong icy conditions, so caution remains important.
Our Department of Public Works crews were out before the storm, during the storm, overnight, and throughout today. Emergency personnel responded to downed trees and power lines. Contractors assisted with additional snow removal.
This storm demonstrated more than snow removal.
It demonstrated service.
It demonstrated leadership.
It demonstrated care for community.
Mayor Vauss’ approach has always been simple: do what is required — and when possible, do more.
Not because it is mandated.
Not because it is expected.
But because it is right.
We thank our residents for their patience, cooperation, and understanding.
Together, we weather storms.
Together, we move forward.
Together, we keep Irvington safe.
Please stay safe and stay warm.