The Alternative Press

WEST ESSEX, NJ - Winter Storm Saturn enters our area earlier than expected and is staying longer than originally forecasted according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather station located at the Essex County Airport in Fairfield. The storm seems to be lingering in our area, bringing with it Snow, Rain, Heavy Winds, Icy Roads and all around unpleasant driving conditions. At this point what begins Wednesday morning is not supposed to let up until Friday afternoon. Accumulations are showing as minimal however, a total of 5.6” after two days of storm. We will continue to monitor the numbers and update as needed.

Wind is going to be an issue for the next few days; for that reason alone, everyone should be prepared for power outages. 

By 11am, the Rain and Snow change from scattered to likely. And by 2pm, the Rain and Snow become Definite. Icy roads conditions should be in effect by the afternoon commute.  With Winds, Rain, Snow, and Icy Roads it will not be a pleasant commuting day as the storm continues into the evening. The Rain changes to all Snow by 11pm tonight.   

Thursday begins with likely Snow, Moderate winds and Strong 30 mph wind gusts. By 1am, total accumulations should be 1.8” Likely Snow changes to scattered Snow by 5am. High Winds, Icy Roads, Scattered Snow continues at 7am; total accumulations up to that point should be 2.5”

Scattered Snow continues Thursday afternoon and mixes with rain; wind and gusts continue to be at high levels.  1pm total accumulation should be 2.8”  Wind Gusts should hopefully die down in the afternoon. Rush hour is expected to be the same scattered Snow, Rain, and Icy Roads; by 7pm it’s 2.9.”  At 8pm, the scattered Rain changes to all Snow through midnight.

Friday’s early morning hours do not bring an end to the forecast of this storm. Scattered Snow continues to linger in our area. By 1am, total storm accumulation should be 3.9”  Scattered snow continues through morning, 7am total storm accumulation should be 5.1.”

By 8am, Rain is expected to mix with Snow again. By 1pm, total accumulation 5.5.”  The storm is supposed to finally leave the West Essex area by 5pm Friday afternoon, 7pm total and final accumulations are expected to be 5.6.”

Isolated slight chance of Rain and Snow could continue after 5pm, switching to all Snow at 9pm until midnight. No further accumulations are expected.



Credit: The Weather Channel

For a detailed look at the next 48 hours see below:

Wednesday, 6th
Low: 34°; 26° with the wind chill
High: 41°; 32° with the wind chill

11am to 2pm
63% likely chance of Rain and Snow
Accumulation: 0.02"
Total Accumulation: 0.03"

2pm to 7pm
81% DEFINITE chance of Rain and Snow
Accumulation: 0.39”
Total Accumulation: 0.42"

7pm to 11pm
81% DEFINITE chance of Rain and Snow

11pm to 12am
81% DEFINITE chance of Snow


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Thursday, 7th
Low: 32°; 20° with the wind chill
High: 37°; 26° with the wind chill

12am to 1am
77% likely chance of Snow
Accumulation: 1.38"
Total Accumulation: 1.8"

1am to 5am
77% decreasing to 71% likely chance of Snow

5am to 7am
57% scattered chance of Snow
Accumulation: 0.67"
Total Accumulation: 2.47"

7am to 11am
57% decreasing to 50% scattered chance of Snow

11am to 1pm
50% scattered chance of Rain and Snow   
Accumulation: 0.35"
Total Accumulation: 2.82"

1pm to 5pm
50% decreasing to 43% scattered chance of Rain and Snow   

5pm to 7pm
43% decreasing to 40% scattered chance of Rain and Snow
Accumulation: 0.03"
Total Accumulation: 2.85"

7pm to 12am
40% scattered chance of Rain and Snow

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Friday, 8th
Low: 32°; 22° with the wind chill
High: 39°; 31° with the wind chill

12am to 1am
41% scattered chance of Snow
Accumulation: 1"
Total Accumulation: 3.85"

1am to 7am
41% increasing to 48% scattered chance of Snow
Accumulation:  1.25"
Total Accumulation: 5.1"

7am to 1pm
48% decreased to 44% scattered chance of Rain and Snow
Accumulation:  0.35"
Total Accumulation: 5.45"

1pm to 5pm
44% scattered chance of Rain and Snow

5pm to 7pm
20% isolated slight chance of Rain and Snow
Accumulation:  0.13”
Total Accumulation: 5.58"

7pm to 9pm
20% isolated slight chance of Rain and Snow

9pm to 12am
20% isolated slight chance of Snow