Morristown residents can seek refuge at town hall and the fire station if the coming snowstorm knocks out power, Mayor Tim Dougherty said on Tuesday.
He urged residents to stay at home and off the roads on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014. A storm is expected to drop 4- to 8 inches of snow overnight, and then turn to sleet and freezing rain before tapering off on Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, which has issued a winter storm warning starting at 11 pm.
The Mayor reminded residents that they can park for free in garages operated by the Morristown Parking Authority through Thursday morning, to give snow plows easier access to clear streets.
Citing Super Storm Sandy and the recent snowstorm that brought Atlanta to a standstill, Police Chief Pete Demnitz urged residents to “exercise all precautions” and prepare for extended power outages.
“Please remain home/sheltered unless travel is absolutely necessary,” the Chief said in a statement.
Warming- and charging stations will open in the third-floor seniors center at town hall (200 South St.) and the fire house (161 Speedwell Ave.) if power outages occur.
The Mayor also cautioned against going near downed power lines, or trying to remove tree limbs from power lines.
Outages and downed lines should be reported to JCP&L at 1-888-544-4877 or online at www.jcp-l.com. Storm information should be available at Twitter@JCP_L and www.facebook.com/JCPandL.
Residents who lose heat, electricity and/or hot water should call the Morristown Office of Emergency Management at 973-390-1575 for help.
Garbage removal and curbside recycling pickups have been pushed back one day, to Thursday.
NJ Transit once again will be cross-honoring tickets on rail, light rail and buses, including private bus carriers. Commuters should allow extra time for their commute on Wednesday morning, the agency said.
