Schools Declare Snow Day for Verona, Cedar Grove Students

As the first snowflakes begin to fall Thursday night, Verona and Cedar Grove Schools have announced they will remain closed on Friday, when the bulk of the year's first major storm is expected to hit the region. 

The blizzard-like storm could leave behind as much as 9 inches of snow and will bring with it strong winds and below freezing wind chills, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 1 p.m. Friday for Essex County and much of North Jersey where the wind chill could make it feel as cold as zero or ten degrees below zero.

Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency for New Jersey Thursday, warning residents to "Stay off the roads."

Both Verona and Cedar Grove prohibit public street parking while snow is on roadways in order for plows to come through.

According to Verona officials, "The no parking ordinance will be strictly enforced on all roadways, and vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed. If you have no place to park your car during the snowstorm, you may park in a metered parking space in Municipal Lot 1 (behind Terry's Pharmacy)."

Other township ordinances require Verona residents to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of the snow fall ending and prohibit pushing, throwing or blowing snow into roadways. 

Power outages should be reported to PSE&G by calling 1-800-436-PSEG (7734), rather than calling local police departments. 

Emergencies should be reported in Verona by calling 973-239-5000 and in Cedar Grove by calling 973-239-4100.