A wintry weather mix may be heading our way on Sunday night. Here are messages from the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, and the Morris School District.
From Jeff Paul, director of the Morris County OEM:
I hope everyone has been enjoying the weekend. A winter weather advisory remains in effect from 1:00 p.m. this afternoon to 9:00 a.m. Monday.
- Locations:
- Near and North of Interstate 80 in the Northeast Pennsylvania and Northwest New Jersey areas
- Hazard Types:
- Snow to freezing rain and sleet
Impacts to New Jersey
Hazardous travel conditions are expected during the overnight hours due to snow, ice, and a wintry mix. These conditions may persist into the Monday morning commute around and north of I-80. Be aware of ice on roads, bridges, ramps, sidewalks, and other surfaces in the early morning hours. Rain is forecast statewide for Monday.
The current weather data for Morris County suggests that we may experience occasional flurries and brief light snow this afternoon and evening. This is not expected to be anything beyond scattered coatings of <1”.
We will experience a lull in any activity until the second phase of the storm kicks in during the pre-dawn hours at which time we may experience a mix of snow / sleet / freezing, before quickly turning to rain.
Depending on how quick that transition occurs, will be the difference between 1” and 3″, though overall the snowfall amounts look to vary from ½” to 1″ across eastern sections of the county, to as much as 2-3” over the western areas.
We anticipate just plain rain will be falling for the Monday morning rush, though a few elevations may have icing concerns at 32 or 33 degrees.
We will continue to monitor. We suggest leaving additional travel time for the AM commute tomorrow.
Stay Safe!
A message from Mackey Pendergrast, superintendent of the Morris School District:
Dec. 9, 2016
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The decision to open or close schools when bad weather strikes is a difficult one that must take many factors into account. While we believe continuity in attendance best serves our students, the guiding principal during weather events is always student safety. The following summary is designed to shed light on how weather-closing decisions are made.
What factors are considered when making snow-closing decisions?
- · Weather Conditions and Forecasts – We receive information regarding weather conditions from the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, District Building and Grounds personnel, and from a private weather service that provides targeted data specific to our local area. These resources provide more precise information than that provided by regional news and weather-reporting agencies.
- · Road Conditions throughout the District – Our District covers more than 30 square miles, stretching from the border of Madison to Mendham and Randolph. Elevations – and therefore weather conditions – vary dramatically from one area of our District to another. The more well-traveled/main roads in one area or neighborhood may be clear, while more rural, less-traveled roads may be snow covered or slick with ice. When making weather-closing decisions, the conditions of roads and sidewalks that will affect the safety of students in all areas of the District must be considered.
- · School Building and Parking Lot Conditions – Snow and ice must be removed from parking lots and sidewalks to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
- · Availability of Buses – Buses must be cleared of ice and snow by drivers before they begin their runs. In addition to our own fleet of buses, the Morris School District contracts with several independent bus companies to transport our students. Therefore, when making snow-closing decisions we must also consult with those companies to determine if buses are available to safely transport students.
- · Availability of Staff – Many members of our staff travel long distances and may be unable to get to school given weather conditions on highways.
When is the decision made to close or delay school?
How and when are parents notified of school closing decisions?
How are school hours adjusted if there is a delayed opening or early dismissal?
Should I allow my child to drive him/herself to school during inclement weather?
What if weather conditions shift suddenly and worsen?
When it comes to weather issues there are often no perfect solutions. If you do not feel it is safe for your child to attend school then use your best judgment. In the end, please know our district staff continues to diligently work in a comprehensive manner so that we can make the best decision for our community.
Thank you.
Mackey Pendergrast
