Scotch Plains Office of Emergency Management

03/16/2026

02/22/2026

Good Morning,

Here are a few important updates as we prepare for today’s winter storm.

A blizzaad warning has been expanded inland and will now affect our region with a potential for up to 24 inches of snow accumulation. A State of Emergency has been declared effective today at 12 PM. Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and whiteout conditions are expected throughout the day and into tomorrow, making travel extremely dangerous. Please stay off the roadways!

Our public works, police, fire, and EMS crews will be working around the clock to keep everyone safe. Residents are asked to do the following to help make their jobs easier during and after the storm when safe to do so.

- remove your vehicles from the street so that the plows can clear curb to curb

- if you have a fire hydrant on your property, please shovel 3 feet around it in all directions

- keep your sidewalks clear 

Please note that recycling has also been suspended for tomorrow, February 23. 

02/21/2026

Good morning,

Our area is now expected to see snow accumulations of 12+ inches or more starting tomorrow morning as heavy wet snow and then transitioning to light fluffy snow later Sunday night into Monday. We are on the outskirts of the blizzard, but we could expect to see wind gusts up to 40 mph as well.

Residents are urged to begin preparing now, and alter/cancel any travel arrangements planned for the end of the weekend.

As always, stay safe and continue to monitor our page and other reputable weather sources for more updates as they come out!

02/20/2026

Our region is offically under a winter storm watch in effect Sunday into Monday, with most of the accumulation occurring late Sunday night into early Monday morning. We could see the potential for 5+ inches of total snowfall, starting as rain and then turning into snow. No ice accumulations are expected at this time. Please continue to monitor this page for more updates as the end of the weekend approaches!

02/20/2026

Good Morning,

Here is a brief update on the potential for accumulating snow this weekend Sunday into Monday. We appear to be on the lower side of 2 inches, with potential for up to 6 inches depending on the path of the storm. We will update you more as we get it. As always, please stay alert and stay prepared!

02/07/2026

An arctic front will impact the area today and into tomorrow, bringing strong northwest winds gusting up to 50 mph, and dangerous cold. Wind chills will drop to -5° to -15° today and -15° to -25° tonight into early Sunday, with an Extreme Cold Warning in effect. Frostbite can occur in as little as 15–30 minutes, and strong winds may cause downed tree limbs and isolated power outages. Limit outdoor exposure, dress in layers, and secure loose items when possible. If you run into a situation where you lose power and heat, and are unable to find other arrangements, please don’t hesitate to call 911. Emergency services personnel can assist you in providing temporary shelter.

01/25/2026

A winter storm has arrived! No significant changes in the forecast as of now. However a state of emergency is still in place, therefore proper safety precautions should still be taken seriously. Please stay off the roadways, and help keep your sidewalks and fire hydrants clear whenever possible. DPW is actively plowing and keeping our streets safe and clear!  We are monitoring conditions as the day goes on and will update back here if there are any significant changes. Stay safe and stay warm!

01/24/2026

❄️ Saturday Morning Winter Storm Update ❄️

Scotch Plains is still expected to see 8–12 inches of snow, beginning early Sunday morning and continuing through Sunday into Monday. Frigid temperatures are already setting in and are expected to last into the middle of next week, increasing the risk for dangerous wind chills.

Residents are urged to stay off the roadways during the storm, keep cars off the street when possible, keep sidewalks and fire hydrants clear of snow, check in on your neighbors, keep your pets warm, and ensure heating sources and emergency supplies are ready.

Please continue to follow for more updates throughout the weekend. Stay warm!

01/23/2026

Friday morning update: A winter storm is still expected to hit our area beginning late Saturday night into Monday morning, with snow accumulations expected to be around 12-18 inches in some areas. With the snow also comes very frigid temperatures reaching sub zero with the wind chill. Residents are encouraged to prepare to remain indoors and stay off the roadways. Expect more updates to follow.

Additionally, please see the message below from our township regarding important storm information!

Important Storm Information!

• Recycling pick-up for Monday, January 26 will be postponed one day. Please see the calendar in this week’s Scotch Plains Messenger for revised pick-up dates.

• Christmas tree pick-up is suspended until after the storm. Discarded trees must be pulled out of the street – as well as any other items (such as garbage cans) – so the plows can get through.

• Scotch Plains will be distributing a special Messenger with more information about how to safely weather the storm.

01/22/2026

Good Morning,

Here is our latest update on this weekends snow storm.

A significant winter storm is increasingly likely late Saturday night through Monday, with a high probability of at least 6 inches of snow and about a 50% chance of 12 inches or more in our area. The heaviest snow is expected Sunday into Sunday night. In addition, dangerously cold temperatures are expected Friday night through the middle of next week, with sub-zero wind chills possible. Residents should begin preparing now and continue to monitor updates as the forecast may change as the weekend approaches.

01/21/2026

Winter Storm Watch: We are closely monitoring the incoming winter storm expected to impact our area later this weekend. While the storm is still days away, we strongly encourage you start thinking about how you can best prepare yoursleves, families, friends, and neighbors, for possible snow, ice, and hazardous travel conditions. DPW, Police, Fire, EMS, and OEM are coordinating and will be ready to respond when the storm arrives. Please continue to monitor this page as additional updates will be pushed out as conditions may change throughout the week. Stay safe!