MAYOR BARAKA URGES RESIDENTS TO HEED WINTER STORM PRECAUTIONS

Latest forecast indicates up to 8 inches of snow expected through Monday afternoon with dangerous travel conditions;

City Hall to close tomorrow, Monday, January 26;

Police, Fire and other uniformed services will be unaffected 

Newark, NJ – January 25, 2026 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka charged leadership and key staff from every essential city department to convene at the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) headquarters early this morning to monitor weather developments, city function and resident safety until the city is past the critical stages of the current snow storm. The OEM team and city directors are joined in continuous communication with agencies including local hospitals, schools, and the utility companies. Updates and developments are being posted through the city’s official social media outlets, its webpage (NewarkNJ.Gov), and the municipal cable station NWK-TV Channel 78. Additionally, the mayor is issuing citywide robocalls to residents as needed.

The city currently has more than 70 trucks removing snow. Any minutemen available to assist with snow removal on secondary and tertiary streets can call: 973-733-5485 or visit 62 Frelinghuysen Avenue to sign up.

“This storm promised to deliver up to 12 inches of snow and an icy mix, with deeper drifts in some areas of Newark before it winds down tomorrow afternoon,” said Mayor Baraka. “It’s dangerous, must be taken seriously and requires everyone’s cooperation so that we all stay safe. Please stay off the streets. Unless it’s an emergency, don’t drive or use the sidewalks until they are clear. Give neighbors a call to check on them, especially those with medical needs and the elderly.”

Mayor Baraka urges all residents and business owners to take heed of the following information.

City of Newark Snow Regulations:

• During snowstorms, the City mobilizes personnel and vehicles to spread salt and plow roads as conditions dictate. The first priority for salting is hills, bridges, and major arteries that lead in and out of the City’s borders.
• Observe signs reflecting the city’s “No Parking on Snow Covered Roadways”ordinance, which will be enforced. Residents may park in public school parking lots during the winter storm.
• Enforcement of parking meter violations and alternate side of the street ticketing by the Newark Parking Authority has been suspended.
• Residents, business owners, and landlords are being reminded that anyone who shovels snow into City streets will face Municipal Court action and fines ranging from $100 to $1,000.
• As a “Good Neighbor” you can assist Newark in weathering the snowstorm, by committing to do a few “neighborly” things:

• • • Park vehicles in your driveway, so that the plows can get through to remove snow and ice.
    • If possible, share your driveway with neighbors or secure them on off-street lots.
    • Clear snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of your storefront or home. (Remember that it’s the law to do so).
    • Do not throw snow into the street.  Place the snow on your lawn, on the side of your home, or in the rear of the property.
    • Remove snow and ice from hydrants and/or drains near your home.

City Hall will be closed tomorrow, January 26, 2026:

Police, fire, DPW, Water & Sewer, and other uniformed emergency services will be unaffected. Curbside trash and recycling will be suspended for tomorrow to focus on snow removal efforts.  

The Department of Health and Community Wellness’s inspection services and health clinic will not operate on Thursday, January 26. In addition, the Bureau of Vital Statistics will be closed. Residents will not be able to apply for permits, birth certificates, name-change certificates, marriage licenses, nor pay water or tax bills at City Hall. The Medical Director and Department’s Division of Surveillance and Prevention will be on call for medical and public health emergencies.

The Municipal Court will also be closed on Monday, January 26. Residents can make payments on parking and traffic tickets through the website www.njmcdirect.com. To utilize this website, residents will need their summons number, including the prefix, and the City of Newark’s court code, which is 0714.

Power Outage Preparations:

• Charge your cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.
• Fill up your car’s fuel tank.
• Ensure you have a battery-powered radio and a supply of fresh batteries.
• Put your refrigerator and freezer at the coldest setting. Keep a blanket handy to throw over these appliances for added insulation. If electricity is interrupted, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• Sign up for MyAccount at www.pseg.com and bookmark the mobile-friendly homepage on your smart phone so it’s easy to report outages and check restoration progress.
• Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered “live.” STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with.
• Compile a list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.

Winter Storm Safety Tips:

• Keep Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit on hand.
• Avoid Overexertion: Shoveling snow or walking in heavy snow can strain your heart and muscles. Take frequent breaks.
• Car Readiness: Keep gas tank at least full, and have blankets food, water, flashlight, jumper cables, shovel and ice scraper handy in the vehicle.
• Health & Community: Check on elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, and those living alone. Keep medical equipment charged and accessible. Wear layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Safety: Limit travel unless absolutely necessary. Roads may be slippery and dangerous. Never use outdoor grills or generators indoors. Test carbon monoxide detectors.
• Protect Pets: Don’t leave pets outdoors and provide adequate food and water.

Important Contacts:

For all non-emergency weather-related matters, please contact the Department of Public Safety at: (973) 733-6000.

To report no heat or hot water in your apartment, call the Division of Code Enforcement at (973) 733-6471. For fire safety, please utilize flashlights, instead of candles, should you lose electricity due to this weather event.

If you encounter an unsheltered individual in need of non-emergency services, please text “PATH HOME” to 855-11.

Residents with questions about any municipal service can contact the City of Newark Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311, Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

-NEWARK-

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.newarknj.gov

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