South Orange Declares snow emergency
Due to an approaching winter storm, the State of New Jersey and South Orange Village have declared a State of Emergency, with 12–18 inches of snow expected from early Sunday morning through Monday evening. The South Orange Village Office of Emergency Management is providing the following information and resources to help residents prepare and stay safe.
Street Parking Prohibited
Effective:
6:00 PM Saturday, January 24, 2025 – 12:00 PM Monday, January 26, 2025
On-street parking will be prohibited. All vehicles must be removed from residential streets and relocated to municipal parking lots beginning at 6:00 PM and no later than 11:00 PM on January 24.
Vehicles remaining on the street will be subject to ticketing and towing.
Parking Options
On-street permit holders should relocate vehicles to:
Third & Valley Garage
Nearest municipal parking lot
Do NOT park in school parking lots — they are not municipal facilities.
Any resident currently approved for on-street parking by SOPA/SOPD due to home renovations, construction, dumpsters in driveways, or similar circumstances is required to relocate vehicles to the Third Street Garage.
Weather Forecast
Snowfall: 12–18 inches possible
Temperatures: High 18°F | Low 10°F
Wind Gusts: Up to 25 mph
Driving Advisory
Travel is strongly discouraged during the storm. If driving is unavoidable:
Reduce speed and increase following distance (8–10 seconds)
Use headlights (low beams in snow)
Give snowplows ample space — do not tailgate or pass
If skidding, ease off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid
Slow well before exit ramps
If disabled, pull off safely, activate flashers, and seek shelter if needed
Streets, Sidewalks, and Hydrants
Residential sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice within 12 daylight hours after snowfall ends
Commercial sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice within 4 daylight hours after snowfall ends
Ice that cannot be removed must be treated with salt or sand
Do not place, plow, or shovel snow into roadways — this is prohibited and subject to enforcement
Clear snow from at least 3 feet around fire hydrants to ensure accessibility
Do not stretch extension cords across roadways
Snow removal is permitted overnight
Emergency Alerts & Notifications
Stay informed by subscribing to South Orange Alerts & Notifications:
https://www.southorange.org/610/SO-Alerts
Police Reminders
Remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before driving, including the hood, windows, and roof — required by New Jersey law
Failure to comply may result in fines of $25–$75 per offense
If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury, fines increase to $200–$1,000
Icy road conditions contribute to approximately 500 fatalities annually in the United States
Do not leave vehicles running unattended
Avoid downed power lines — call emergency services
Report fallen trees blocking roads: 973-763-3000 (Option 0)
Parking enforcement will occur near Flood’s Hill
Do NOT build ramps or snow piles on Flood’s Hill — unsafe and prohibited
Power Outages
Report power outages and receive updates through PSE&G:
Call 1-800-436-7734
Text OUT to 4PSEG (47734)
NJ Transit
For NJ Transit service advisories or schedule changes related to the storm, visit the NJ Transit website.
Non-Emergency Requests
Use 911 for life-threatening emergencies only
For non-emergency issues:
GovAlert mobile app
Non-priority requests may be delayed
For winter storm preparedness tips, visit southorange.org.
Please remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and stay safe.
