METUCHEN, N.J. — The quiet hum of an ordinary weekend was abruptly replaced by the crunch of snow underfoot and the rhythmic scrape of shovels as parts of New Jersey woke up to a significant blanket of winter white. Following an overnight storm that dumped several inches of snow from Saturday into Sunday, towns like Metuchen saw accumulations topping five inches, marking the state’s first real taste of winter for the season.
The response from residents was a classic mix of seasonal joy and winter fatigue, perfectly illustrating the dichotomy of life in a snow state.
The Thrill of the First Snow Day
For many, the heavy snowfall was a welcome change. “We get snow like every year, but we haven’t gotten this much snow in a while,” noted Riley Rodriguez of Metuchen, reflecting the excitement that comes with substantial, play-worthy snow. The fresh powder transformed local parks into winter playgrounds, where families readily traded their weekend routines for sleds and hot cocoa.
The early estimates of a light dusting were clearly off. Heli Pelaez of Woodbridge Township remarked, “We thought it was going to be a nice, not that heavy snow, but it was accumulating every hour.” This steady accumulation provided the perfect canvas for a spontaneous snow day.
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From Park Fun to Driveway Drudgery
While children reveled, adults quickly transitioned to the necessary, often strenuous, task of digging out. Ravi Gadgil of Edison, New Jersey, viewed his morning spent clearing his driveway with a pragmatic enthusiasm. “I’m excited. I think afterwards you get bored, but this is the first [snow of the season], right, so I’m just enjoying a little exercise,” he commented.
However, the charm of a winter workout quickly faded for others. Daniella Cioffi, Gadgil’s neighbor in Edison, highlighted the common frustrations that accompany heavy snowfall—especially when clearing cars.
“I don’t even have gloves, so my hands are like frozen,” Cioffi lamented. She also shared a common point of contention: the cost and completeness of professional cleanup. “My landscaper… shoveled our driveway for $200 and didn’t even clean off the top of our cars, so now I’m out here freezing my butt off, paid a man $200 and still have to clear off the top of my car.” This sentiment, often shared across the tri-state area, is a critical reminder for homeowners to clarify service expectations when hiring assistance during a major weather event.
Road Safety Remains Paramount
As residents managed their properties, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) and its contractors worked tirelessly overnight to maintain essential road safety. State highways are reported to be in good condition, though officials caution that wet and slippery roads remain a risk, compounded by the threat of high winds blowing treated snow back onto roadways.
For timely updates and deep-dive reporting on local affairs and weather impacts, NYBuzz.AffairsTime continues to follow the cleanup efforts and community stories emerging from this first major snowfall.
To ensure everyone travels safely and avoids hazardous situations, the Department of Transportation issued the following essential driver tips:
- Completely clear your vehicle of all snow and ice before driving—a necessity to prevent dangerous blow-off onto other cars.
- Plan for extra travel time and exercise patience, as speeds will be reduced.
- Maintain a safe following distance and slow down in all slick conditions.
- Give snow plows and spreaders ample room to operate. These crews are working to keep the roads clear and safe for everyone.
As the state transitions from a snow day to a return to regular schedules, these safety precautions are key to navigating the lingering winter conditions and ensuring the season starts safely for all New Jersey commuters.