THE OBSERVATION BOOTH
OP / ED BY ANDREA DIALECT
PHOTO FROM THE MIND OF ANDREA DIALECT, AI GENERATED
Old Man Winter sprinkled snow around like fairy dust, and as winter stormed through, his travel buddy, the Hawk, when he was out, squawked continuously, placing a heightened emphasis on the cold. I must admit that my fuzzy pull on slippers brought me warmth, along with my deliciously devoured lemon ginger tea.
I was sitting on the edge of the bed, as opposed to the driver seat, where I would have been forcing attempts to make the wheels of that yellow bus go round, to no avail, of course, considering all that snow. A blessing in disguise, I suppose, when considering all those deemed essential who had to work clearing up all that mess.
Knowingly winter forces a shut down as it has my hand when overtaking this space. I thought that the title was befitting, a double entendre, Cold As Ice, when defining ice cycles, as so those called ICE who rudely storm into peoples’ lives, overtaking them. But despite all the icy pile-ups, surely there will be a meltdown when the heat comes.
SHIVERING SLOWED
The winter storm that moved across Jersey over the weekend, delivered heavy snowfall, which meant hazardous travel conditions, and widespread service disruptions, particularly across northern counties.
State officials declared a State of Emergency ahead of the storm as forecasts predicted significant snowfall, freezing temperatures, and gusty winds. NJ Transit temporarily suspended bus, rail, and light rail services during the height of the storm, impacting thousands of commuters statewide.
Municipal crews worked around the clock to clear major roadways, while state police urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency responders reported an increase in weather-related incidents, including traffic accidents and slip-and-fall injuries. Jersey has faced storms like this before.
The Blizzard of 1996 shut down large portions of the state for days, with limited forecasting tools and slower coordination leaving many residents stranded. Snow removal relied heavily on basic plows and reactive salt application. Recovery was measured in days, sometimes weeks.
Today, winter response is more strategic. Brine is applied in advance on major corridors such as I-80, Route 17, and the Garden State Parkway. GPS-tracked plows allow supervisors to monitor progress in real time. NJ Transit and local governments coordinate earlier closures to reduce risk.
Urban centers including Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City deploy compact equipment for sidewalks and dense corridors, while hospitals and transit hubs prioritize rapid clearance and pedestrian safety.
Yet despite technological advances, the storm revealed familiar challenges. Residents without reliable transportation, heating, or flexible work arrangements were disproportionately affected. Transit-dependent workers faced delays, while elderly residents and those living alone required additional support.
Health officials also warned residents to take precautions during snow removal, noting an increase in cardiac-related emergencies following major winter storms.
As cleanup continues, officials caution that melting snow may refreeze overnight, creating black ice conditions. Residents are urged to remain alert, follow local advisories, and check on neighbors who may need assistance.
Undoubtedly Jersey clears snow faster now during our winter response. But winter continues to put our preparedness, equity, and care to the test.
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DID YOU KNOW….
Snow Removal Technology: Then vs. Now
In past decades, snow removal in New Jersey relied largely on basic plows, heavy manual labor, and reactive response. Crews often waited until snowfall ended before clearing roads, using dry rock salt as the primary de-icing method. Forecasting tools were limited, communication was slower, and recovery from major storms could take days.
Today, snow removal is more strategic and technology driven. Municipal fleets use advanced plows, including wing and underbody plows, to clear multiple lanes efficiently. Anti-icing techniques such as liquid brine are applied before storms to prevent ice from bonding to pavement. GPS tracking and fleet management systems allow supervisors to monitor progress in real time.
Improved forecasting enables earlier deployment of crews, while road sensors provide data on pavement temperature and ice formation. Despite these advances, snow removal remains labor-intensive, and severe storms continue to challenge infrastructure, particularly in densely populated and high-traffic areas.
