The Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Office of Emergency Management are urging residents to continue to use caution and avoid unnecessary traveling in the wake of Sunday’s record-setting winter storm.
More than 20 inches of snow accumulated across several parts of Burlington County from the blizzard, which began Sunday afternoon and grew increasingly intense overnight before tapering Monday afternoon.
Accumulations ranged from a high of 20.6 inches reported in Mount Laurel and 20.5 inches reported in Mansfield to 12 inches reported in Cinnaminson. There were also measurements of 20.3 inches in Southampton and Westampton, 20 inches in Pemberton, 19.5 inches in Moorestown and 19.2 inches in Lake Pine, Medford.
County emergency officials said the totals surpass Burlington County’s record for snowfall over a 24-hour period.
“We’re grateful for the dedication and hard work of all the Burlington County public servants who have contributed to our County’s winter storm response,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “From our highway crews working through the night and all day to clear roads to our Public Safety staff, Central Communications dispatchers, OEM coordinators, first responders and more, everyone has worked in partnership to keep our residents safe during this dangerous weather event. On behalf of our entire Board, we want to thank all our County employees and partners for rising to the occasion again.”
Power outages
Blowing snow along with downed trees and wires causing power outages are currently the biggest concerns in Burlington County.
As of 1 PM, more than 12,000 Burlington County residences and businesses were without power, including more than 4,000 in Atlantic City Electric’s territory in Evesham and Medford and another 4,000 plus in Jersey Central Power & Light’s territory in Pemberton Township.
The Burlington County Emergency Operations Center will remain active and staffed overnight through Tuesday morning to coordinate the County’s continuing storm response.
Travel Restrictions and Central Communications
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and New Jersey State Police lifted a mandatory travel restriction on all state, county and local roads at noon today. While the mandatory restriction on travel is removed, County officials encouraged residents to continue to avoid unnecessary travel this afternoon and tonight due to blowing snow and other hazards.
The Burlington County Department of Public Works Division of Roads and Bridges dispatched a fleet of 80 trucks to salt and plow the more than 500 miles of county roads.
Burlington County Central Communications dispatchers have handled close to 3,000 calls since 1 PM Sunday afternoon.
“Our Public Works employees deserve our thanks for working through the night and today to clear our county roadways,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Public Safety. “They’re making great progress, but we’re encouraging residents to continue to avoid unnecessary travel so they can continue to work unimpeded. We’re also reminding residents to use 9-1-1 solely for emergencies. Our Central Communications telecommunicators have fielded large volumes of calls since the storm began and we want to make sure they can focus on emergencies and our first responders in the field.”
Non-emergency calls involving downed trees and wires across roadways should be made to Central’s non-emergency service line at 609-267-8300.
Power outages should be reported directly to utilities using the following numbers:
PSE&G: 800-436-PSEG (7734)
Atlantic City Electric: 800-833-7476
Jersey Central Power & Light: 888-544-4877
Reports about snow plowing or road conditions should be directed to local municipalities for local roads, New Jersey Department of Transportation (https://www.njdotproblemreporting.nj.gov/ ) for state roads and highways and the Burlington County Division of Roads and Bridges (Highway@co.burlington.nj.us) for County highways.
Code Blue
Burlington County's Code Blue weather emergency remains in effect. During the Code Blue, the County provides short-term sheltering for homeless in clean, safe locations.
Residents in need of Code Blue sheltering should contact the Burlington County Board of Social Services at 609-261-1000 or the Burlington County Housing HUB is 609-265-5185 Monday-Friday between 8AM-5PM. After hours, weekends, and holidays, contact NJ 211 by dialing 2-1-1.
Closures
Burlington County government offices were closed Monday due to the winter storm. They will reopen Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 10 AM.
The Burlington County Animal Shelter was closed to visitors on Monday but staff were able to report to feed and care for the animals.
Burlington County Residents can sign up for real-time alerts and notifications from the Burlington County Department of Public Safety’s CivicReady Emergency Alert system online at https://co.burlington.nj.us/210/Emergency-Notification-Systems .