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Community Corner

South Orange Snow Day

Essex County has declared a snow emergency.

"It's not the cold," said Stephen Murphy, as he watched his child sled down Flood's Hill. "It's the sleet blowing sideways that I mind."

Even at 10 a.m., prime sledding time, he almost had the place to himself, as very few sledders ventured out. Downtown was also quiet, with schools, the library and many businesses closed.

The Department of Public Works crews were busy plowing the streets and public sidewalks. "In all my years," said one crew member, "this is one of the heavier snows. People stayed home this time. That makes our jobs so much easier."

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With more snow expected, some South Orange residents started clearing their cars and sidewalks. 

"I plan to do it twice," explained Paul Campos. "I'm shoveling once now to clear and salt. Then after the second hit, I'll be back out."

Find out what's happening in South Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Photos around Floods Hill show not only sledders, but our playing fields. The scoreboard is covered with snow, but take heart: pitchers and catchers report for spring training a week from today. Spring is coming.

Update (4:56 p.m.):

  • Essex County has declared a snow emergency, prohibiting parking on county roads. In South Orange, this means South Orange Avenue, Irvington Avenue, Valley Street and Wyoming Avenue. Cars can be ticketed and towed.
  • Clearview Cinemas at SOPAC is closed.

Send us your photos—anything from shots of sledders to traffic snarls to tree branches gracefully coated in snow. E-mail them to cotton@patch.com.

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