By Tia Grant-Lasenberry
Newark, NJ — From January 25 through January 27, Newark and the surrounding areas prepared for and endured a major winter snowstorm that blanketed the city with more than a foot of snow, leading to widespread travel disruptions, school closures, and hazardous conditions across Essex County.
The storm temporarily shut down transportation services and forced schools throughout the city to close. While most operations began gradually resuming as of Monday, January 27, officials warned that conditions remain dangerous due to lingering snow, icy roads, and below-freezing temperatures. Some schools remained closed for a second consecutive day following the storm as cleanup efforts continued.
Despite progress in restoring daily operations, the storm’s aftermath has already resulted in tragedy. According to RLS Media, a 67-year-old Essex County man suffered a fatal medical emergency while shoveling snow in Verona. Police responded to the area of Beach and Martin Roads around 12:45 p.m., where officers found the man unresponsive on a sidewalk with a snow shovel in his hand. He was transported to a local hospital but was later pronounced deceased.
The incident highlights the physical dangers associated with snow removal, particularly for older residents. Local officials and community leaders are urging residents to check on neighbors, especially seniors and those with health conditions, during severe weather events.
In addition to health risks, concerns remain about infrastructure strain caused by prolonged cold temperatures. According to NJ1015, weather conditions were expected to remain below freezing through Tuesday, raising the risk of power outages and vehicle breakdowns. “This kind of extreme cold is very hard on infrastructure and utilities,” the outlet reported, noting that outages and mechanical failures can become life-threatening in such conditions.
Thousands of residents across the region could face limited access to heat or electricity, increasing the importance of preparedness and community support during extreme winter weather.
Looking ahead, forecasters are monitoring the possibility of another winter storm later in the week. The NOAA National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center cautioned that while some aspects of the potential storm are becoming clearer, uncertainty remains regarding its severity and impact. “As often is the case, several days away from the storm, some aspects are of higher confidence, and some are still very unclear,” the agency stated.
Officials have not yet determined whether the system would bring snow, rain, or a mix of both, nor how it could affect travel or infrastructure.
Residents are encouraged to take precautionary steps as winter conditions persist. Safety recommendations include dressing in layers, stocking up on non-perishable food, keeping electronic devices charged, ensuring vehicles have sufficient fuel, confirming that heating systems are functioning properly, and staying informed through official weather alerts and local news updates.
As Newark continues to recover from the storm, authorities stress the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and community care. Residents are urged to dress warmly, assist neighbors when possible, and remain alert as winter weather continues throughout the week.
Code Blue Notice: Extreme cold conditions are in effect. Please review the resources and safety tips below to help you stay warm and safe. Visit the City of Newark website for more information and updates.
