Jan. 30, 2019 weather update

Local school districts in Sparta, Byram and Newton, and dozens of others across New Jersey, have declared a 2-hour delay in opening on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, amid frigid temperatures, wind child advisory, and the threat of black ice.
On Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, at 9 p.m., the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) lifted its previous Winter Weather Congestion Alert. The NJDOT also noted that as of 1 a.m. on Jan. 30, 2019, "State highways are in good condition as the storm subsudes," but motorists need to drive cautiously due to black ice.
Last night's press release:
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials this evening (Jan., 29, 2019), announced the Winter Weather Congestion Alert has been lifted as of 9 p.m., on Tuesday, January 29 and State Highways are in good condition as today’s snow and rain ends. Motorists may resume normal travel, but are urged to continue to use caution as road conditions may change quickly.
With temperatures plummeting overnight and (Jan. 30, 2019), there is the possibility of black ice and slick roads. Motorists are reminded to clear snow and ice off your vehicle before driving, and to continue to use caution on the roads.
The Department and our transportation and law enforcement partners are recommending motorists:
Watch for black ice.
Plan extra travel time.
Keep a safe following distance from other vehicles.
Always STAY CLEAR of plowing and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass.
DO NOT pass between trucks that are in a plow formation.
Be patient and use caution.
At the height of today’s weather (Jan. 29, 2019), more than 1,400 NJDOT and contractor trucks worked to get roads clear and safe. NJDOT will continue to coordinate with NJ Transit and the toll road authorities throughout the night to ensure roads, bridges, and rails are in good condition for the morning commute.
With bitterly cold weather forecast for the next few days, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is a good source of information on how to prepare your family for winter emergencies. Visit http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/winter.shtml to get tips on how to stay safe in the cold.
Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information."
For further local updates check www.SpartaIndependent.com and www.TownshipJournal.com and feel free to share via the newspaper's website, or Facebook pages for Township Journal and Sparta Independent, what road conditions are like near you.
Sparta Independent Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thesinews/.
Township Journal Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thetownshipjournal/.
Byram School District posted on its website: "Due to the current weather conditions, the Byram Township Schools will be on a two hour delay tomorrow Wednesday January 30, 2019. All bus pick-ups will be approximately 2 hours later than the normal time. The Intermediate School and the Lakes School will both open at 10:40 a.m. The AM preschool session will run from 10:40 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. The PM preschool session will run from 1:15 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. Your child should take their appropriate bus to school. Please drive safely in the morning."
For further specifics on other school openings, check in with the local school district's web site.
According to the National Weather Service, brutally cold weather, with extreme wind chill, is expected to move into the area Wednesday evening through Friday and residents are therefore encouraged to take the weather into account when making plans for the next few days.