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The first major winter storm of the season, predicted to start Friday night, comes with a blizzard and flood warning from the National Weather Service.

Snowfall is expected to be heavy at times before tapering off early Sunday morning, leaving anywhere from 10 to 14 inches in its wake.

The blizzard warning is in effect from midnight to 10 a.m. Sunday, with the greatest potential during the day Saturday. Strong onshore winds will increase northeastward from late Friday night and Saturday to 15 to 25 miles per hour, with gusts up to 40 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service [NWS].

The Asbury Park Police Department has issued an alert asking residents to make all storm related preparations before the storm hits.

Office of Emergency Coordinator Garrett Giberson Jr said they are monitoring the storm closely and Nixle alerts will be used to keep city residents up to date.

While no increase in staffing has been made, Giberson said the emergency and public works departments are prepared for whatever the storm may bring.

“We’re ready,” he said. “Staffing is as normal. If we need to we’ll adapt any situation as they arise but there are no immediate changes.”

The city’s preparation included managing the lake’s levels and cancelling Saturday garbage collection.

“We’ve lowered the water level considerably to help with storm runoff and surges,” he said. “We encourage people not to park along the lakes in case of flooding.”

The NWS flood warning will remain in effect from 4 a.m. Saturday to noon Sunday due to the strengthening low pressure passing off shore from the North Carolina coast. High tide along the oceanfront occurs between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 7 to 8 a.m. Sunday. Waves are expected to build to 15 to 20 feet.

The city’s alert also asks motorists to stay off the roadways during the duration of the storm and, where possible, remove vehicles from the roads.

“Please keep in mind that it would be helpful if vehicles are removed from the street entirely,” the alert states. “If this is not possible, please try to park on one side of the street so that plows can operate with the least amount of difficulty.

“Please allow our Police, Fire, EMS, and Public Works professionals [to] focus on emergency calls instead of assisting stranded motorists who are traveling unnecessarily,” the alert reads. “We ask that you please refrain from contacting emergency communications centers with questions regarding school closings or loss of power.”

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to reach 32 degrees Friday then dip to 28 degrees overnight. Overnight winds could reach 28 miles per hour. On Saturday snow is expected before 1 p.m., shifting to a snow/sleet combination as temperatures climb to 34 degrees. By day’s end the National Weather Service predicts a 3 to 7 inch accumulation. Overnight temperatures will drop to 26 degree, with north wind gusts reaching as high as 49 miles per hour. An added 3 to 5 inches of snow is expected. The storm is expected to taper off by 7 a.m. Sunday with winds calming to 11 to 16 miles per hour and temperatures reaching 36 degrees.

“Residents should take steps as soon as possible to prepare including batteries, candles, fuel for vehicles, fuel for snow blowers and generators, food provisions, and a plan for elderly family or those needing special care,” the city’s alert reads.

Giberson said he can’t stress the importance of keeping off the roads during the weekend storm.

“We’re going to hope for the best and that the public heeds the warnings,” he said. “It’s for their own safety and we can’t emphasize enough that people stay off the roads.”

Emergency alerts will be issued via Nixle. To sign up, click here: City of Asbury Park Police Department Nixle.

In cases of emergency, dial 911 but for non-emergent reports, dial (732) 774-1300.

To reach city hall, dial (732) 775-2100.

Residents who experience a loss of power should call (888) 544-4877.

Snow removal and road salting questions should be directed to the Department of Public Works at (732) 775-0900.

For more information about the storm, visit www.weather.gov.

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