Local Areas Receive Over 24”
1/23/16 &1/24/16 *Photos by Paul W. Wang & Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – The Northeast was hit by the Blizzard of 2016 which was christened Winter Storm Jonas or Snowzilla. Although paling in comparison to Superstorm Sandy, Jonas lived up to the expectations of meteorologists’ predictions. We were hit with over 24” of snow and gusts of hurricane force winds which pounded the area from Friday evening until Saturday night. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency as did New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. All nonessential vehicles were to be off the streets and people were advised to stay indoors. Public transportation including trains and buses suspended service which resumed Sunday morning. Over 7000 flights were cancelled. Cape May County and several shore towns were flooded and some people had to be evacuated. Some residents suffered more damage to their homes than during Superstorm Sandy.
Snowstorms which hit Perth Amboy in the past includes: the Blizzard of 1888 which caused the entire northeast to be at a standstill for days. It hit New Jersey with 21” of snow. The Blizzard of 1996 hit Middlesex County with 19” to 32” of snow.
While many people were sitting cozy inside this weekend, the Department of Public Works was working tirelessly for three days to clear the snow and make streets safe for travel. Kudos to the DPW and all City Employees for all your hard work!
Photo 1 – Blizzard winds pick up on the corner of Smith Street and Madison Avenue; Photo 2 – Two people walk down Smith Street during the blizzard; Photo 3 – A Department of Public Works Employee plows a street in Perth Amboy; Photo 4 – Board of Education Employees shovel snow on State Street. *Photos 1,2,4 by Paul W. Wang; *Photo 3 by Carolyn Maxwell