Ridgewood and Bergen County are preparing for up to 18 inches of snow and find out when to move your car off the street
photos courtest of the Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey is officially on high alert. As of 5:00 p.m. today, Saturday, January 24, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill has declared a State of Emergency for all 21 counties. With a “decade-level” winter storm barreling toward the Garden State, local officials are mobilizing an “all hands on deck” response to keep residents safe.
From the quiet streets of Ridgewood to the major arteries of Bergen County, here is everything you need to know to prepare for the heavy snowfall expected this Sunday.
Ridgewood: All Hands on Deck at Village Hall
Following the Governor’s declaration, the Village of Ridgewood held a top-level coordination meeting this morning. The Village’s OEM, Police, Fire, and Public Works crews are now in “active response” mode.
Important Request for Ridgewood Residents:
To ensure the safety of both residents and plow drivers, the Village has issued the following directives:
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Stay Home: Residents are strongly urged to avoid travel during the height of the storm on Sunday.
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Clear the Streets: All vehicles must be parked off the street. This is critical for “curb-to-curb” plowing operations. If your car is on the street, it hinders the plows and risks being ticketed or towed.
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Patience is Key: Crews will be working around the clock; please give them the space they need to clear the roads safely.
Bergen County: A Fleet of 100+ Trucks Ready to Roll
Bergen County officials are not taking this storm lightly. While initial estimates averaged 6–10 inches, the National Weather Service has updated the forecast, warning that parts of North Jersey could now see 12 to 18 inches of heavy snow.
The Bergen County Response by the Numbers:
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100+ Trucks: A full fleet equipped for high-capacity salting and plowing.
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450+ Lane Miles: The team is responsible for all County roadways, plus parks and facilities.
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150 Employees: A 24-hour in-house response staff is currently active.
Storm Timing Alert: Snowfall is expected to begin late Saturday night, with the most intense rates (1–2 inches per hour) occurring throughout Sunday afternoon and evening.
Governor Sherrill’s State of Emergency: What It Means for You
By declaring a State of Emergency via Executive Order No. 8, Governor Sherrill has authorized the state to coordinate resources and close roads if necessary.
Critical Travel Update: A commercial vehicle travel restriction takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, January 25 for all major interstates, including I-80, I-287, I-78, and I-280. This applies to tractor-trailers, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles pulling trailers.
Emergency Pro-Tips:
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Charge Your Devices: Wind gusts of up to 30 mph could lead to downed trees and power outages.
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Check on Neighbors: Ensure the elderly or vulnerable in your neighborhood are prepared for at least 48 hours of isolation.
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Gas Up: Ensure your vehicles and generators are fueled; local roads may not be fully cleared until Monday afternoon.
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Yes! The “war room” photo op right on cue!
But where is Pee Wee?
You know what this used to be called in the old days?
A snow storm.
Well, this is the test for the new administration across the board from top going down. Let’s see how they handle us. And let’s see if they take care of the staff with hot drinks, hot meals, a place the rest, normal working shifts so everyone is safe and healthy. Let’s see how this goes. The proof will be in the pudding. The investigator will be up and around throughout the storm.
And don’t forget foot and back massages, and limo rides home to the loved ones.
Can the crew go to 711 because it’s out of town ,if they’re open throughout the storm. We’ve seen in the past that the shelves were wiped out in Midlandpark In Waldwick. Then what? , We have workers are wondering, what are our options. this needs to be sorted out before someone gets a reprimanded in their file. Our village manager and new director need to address us.
There were less people in the war room for the raid on Bin Laden.
That’s not a lot of salt, and what happened to the concrete wall left-hand side
Yes, this is going to be interesting. I hope the pancake house is open.
It looks like a top management and supervision is getting heavy, meaning too many Chiefs. Not enough Indians.
It is just snow. Not a nuclear attack. You will be back to your normal routines in a day or two. Everyone needs to relax.
🤪hahaha love it.hot tea time. Ok a biscuit too
These individuals that are putting thumbs down, they must be in management or ass kissers. Which is it.