Second winter storm of the year.

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Maplewood, NJ Under Winter Storm Warning: Heavy Snow & Strong Winds Incoming

A powerful winter storm is moving toward Maplewood, NJ, bringing the threat of significant snowfall, dangerous wind gusts, and rapidly deteriorating road conditions.

Officials have declared a State of Emergency as crews prepare for plowing operations and possible service disruptions. Residents should expect limited visibility, icy streets, and the potential for scattered power outages.

Travel is strongly discouraged once snowfall intensifies.

Watch the full weather briefing below for detailed timing and impact projections affecting Maplewood and the surrounding SOMA area.

Stay alert. Stay off the roads. Stay safe.

Don't forget to spread kindness and positivity in your shout outs today!

It goes a long way to brighten someone's day.

This Week's Weather:

❄️ Key Highlights This Week:

• Blizzard Warning in effect through Monday evening.

• Heavy snow and strong wind gusts (up to 50 mph) expected.

• Travel conditions may become extremely dangerous.

• Midweek brings a slight warm-up with rain chances.

• Weekend looks brighter with sunshine and milder temps near 50°F.

If you'd like, I can also:
• Create a static image version to upload directly into your NL
• Write a short 2–3 sentence weather summary to place under this
• Or design a branded “Maplewood Shout Outs Weather Center” header to go above it ❄️

Maplewood and South Orange have declared a state of emergency as a major winter storm is set to bring heavy snow and hazardous conditions Sunday through Monday.

Maplewood crews are ready with 30 staff, a fleet of plows, and a large salt supply, beginning snow removal early Sunday. Residents should expect repeated driveway blockage from ongoing plowing.

Overnight on-street parking is suspended between 2:00 am and 6:00 am both days, and all vehicles must be off snow-covered roads until fully cleared.

Residents are required to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending and must shovel a three-foot radius around fire hydrants.

South Orange bans street parking from Saturday evening to midday Monday, directing vehicles to municipal lots and warning against parking in school lots.

Sidewalks must be cleared promptly—12 daylight hours for homes, 4 for businesses—and snow cannot be thrown onto roads.

Residents are urged to stay indoors, monitor local alerts, check on neighbors, and report emergencies or outages as needed for safety during the storm.

Analilia Mejía, a prominent progressive organizer and former political director for Senator Bernie Sanders, has received the official endorsement of SOMA Action, the influential grassroots group from South Orange and Maplewood.

This comes as Mejía intensifies her campaign for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

Allison Posner and Erika Malinoski, SOMA Action’s co-presidents, emphasized Mejía’s progressive record and the critical moment to advance bold Democratic values in the suburbs.

Local leaders like former Maplewood Deputy Mayor Deborah Engel and South Orange Councilman Bill Haskins have joined in support, citing Mejía’s deep community ties and drive to deliver real change in Washington.

National figures including Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have also endorsed Mejía, fueling her campaign’s momentum ahead of the April 16 election.

Grassroots involvement is encouraged to ensure local voices shape this pivotal race.

Maplewood and South Orange face a major winter storm, with a blizzard warning active until 6 p.m. Monday.

Snow totals may reach 22 inches, while gusts up to 50 mph threaten severe whiteout conditions and travel risks.

Governor Mikie Sherrill has declared a state of emergency, urging everyone to stay off roads as a 35 mph speed limit and a ban on commercial vehicles have gone into effect.

All South Orange-Maplewood public schools are closed on Monday, February 23, with local leaders stressing the importance of warmth and minimized travel.

Both towns have new parking rules to aid snow removal, and residents are asked to use designated lots to support plowing and avoid fines.

This dangerous system stretches across the East Coast, driven by extreme Arctic conditions, bringing intense cold and hazardous ice from Maryland to Massachusetts.

Residents are urged to monitor official updates and stay prepared as conditions evolve.

"Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see." - Mark Twain

The Columbia High School girls basketball team has staged an impressive resurgence, marking their best season since 2010.

Led by junior JoJo Yarde, who dominated both scoring and rebounding, the Cougars soared to a 17-7 record and clinched a 9-1 finish in the SEC Liberty division.

Coach Aaron Breitman credited the team’s strong leadership and unity, contrasting sharply with last year’s 12-15 record.

Standout performances came from Yarde, junior guard Gabriella Ervin, senior Chioma Okafor, and junior Myla Defreitas, powering both ends of the court.

A packed senior night honored key departures like Okafor and Sara Marley, highlighting community spirit and growth.

With momentum high, Columbia faces Linden in the NJSIAA state tournament on February 24.

This remarkable season, alongside MapSo Basketball’s trio of local championships, showcases the enduring energy and promise of Maplewood girls basketball.

This newsletter sponsored by:

Weltman Home Services.

Is Your Home Ready for This Storm?

As  Maplewood prepares for heavy snow and freezing temperatures, now is the time to make sure your home is protected.

Winter storms can quickly lead to heating breakdowns, frozen pipes, and emergency plumbing issues. Before small problems turn into costly repairs, take proactive steps to keep your household safe and warm.

Weltman Home Services has been serving New Jersey homeowners for over 60 years, providing expert plumbing, furnace repair, heating services, and emergency support when it matters most.

Don’t wait until the heat stops working.

🔗 Learn more or schedule service: https://weltmanhomeservices.com/

Maplewood, NJ Kids enjoy Snow Day!

🎥 Snow Fun & Safety Tips for Winter Play
Nothing says “winter joy” quite like kids laughing and playing in the snow! This video shows children bundled up and making the most of the season — from sled rides to snowball tosses.

As heartwarming as snowy days can be, winter weather also brings conditions where safety matters most. Remember to:

✔ Keep faces covered with warm layers
✔ Watch for icy spots on sidewalks
✔ Take breaks indoors to warm up
✔ Hydrate even when it’s cold outside

Enjoy the snow — and enjoy it safely! ❄️😊