TRENTON – Gov. Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency Jan. 4, authorizing the state director of emergency management to activate and coordinate response and recovery efforts for Winter Storm Grayson, with county and municipal emergency operations and governmental agencies.
Executive Order No. 238 declares an emergency in the state, specifically including Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, and allows for the extension of resources into other parts of the state as the storm continues to impact New Jersey.
The State of new Jersey has already authorized the closing of state offices Jan. 4, as the National Weather Service has issued storm warnings for a substantial portion of the state, including blizzard warnings in Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, and a coastal flood advisory for the coastal areas in southern New Jersey.
The storm is expected to produce heavy snow accumulations and strong winds with gusts as high as 45 to 55 miles per hour, creating hazardous travel conditions due to significant amounts of blowing and drifting snow, low-visibility, and whiteout conditions. Motorists are urged to stay off the roadways.
Current road conditions are available at the New Jersey Department of Transportation website at www.511NJ.org.
With regard to the general impact of a State of Emergency:
- An emergency declaration does not mean motorists will be ticketed for merely being on the roads, nor is “essential” personnel defined in the law.
- According to the Office of Emergency Management’s website: “The Governor’s declaration does not normally restrict citizen movements or activities. The State may limit access to affected areas due to concerns for public safety but will notify the public of these restrictions,” according to the Office of Emergency Management’s website. “The most important goal is to keep roadways clear of unnecessary traffic so emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks, are free to travel.”
- The Governor’s declaration does not have an impact on private business owners’ decisions to open or close, or to pay their employees during a closure.
“Businesses must address hours of operation and compensation on an individual basis,” according to the state website. “Once a federal disaster is declared, employees unable to work may be eligible for unemployment assistance.”
For those needing to be out, be extra-safe, and do follow police directives.
