Hudson County officials say they are prepared for the major winter storm bearing down on the Northeast.

County Executive Craig Guy said the storm could be the most significant the region has seen in years. “We haven’t seen a storm like this in over six years,” Guy said. Officials say they have ramped up preparations to keep residents safe, including deploying equipment and personnel across the county. “We have approximately 125 pieces of equipment out today. We have over 200 employees,” Guy said. The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office will also increase patrols during the storm to assist local police departments. Officials are urging residents to stay home if possible and avoid traveling during the storm. They warn that dangerously cold temperatures could pose serious health risks. The temperatures will drop to dangerous levels.

Residents are also reminded to use space heaters safely. County parks will close once snowfall reaches 6 inches, officials said. “This is not just a snowstorm. We’re going into a deep freeze, with single-digit temperatures. Once the snow ends, the emergency is not going to end,” officials said. Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, especially seniors and vulnerable individuals, during the period of dangerously cold temperatures.

-- By Jennifer Portorreal

Crews across New Jersey spent the week preparing for another round of winter weather that will blanket the state on Sunday.

In Woodbridge Township, public works crews were already treating roads Saturday morning, as the township prepares for its third winter storm in recent weeks. Public Works Director George Brew said the department is fully prepared.

“All of our trucks are ready. Plows are on, salters are on. They’re all loaded and ready to go. So today is kind of the calm before the storm,” Brew said.

Brew said the township received a salt delivery earlier this week and produces its own brine on site.

“So basically, it’s a saltwater mixture,” Brew said. “We mix regular road salt with the water. They get it to a 23.5% salinity.”

In addition to plow trucks and salt spreaders, the township also has specialized equipment, including a snow melter, called the “Snow Dragon” capable of melting large amounts of snow even in the worst conditions.

Brew said the township is aiming to have roads cleared by late morning or early afternoon Monday. He asked everyone to stay off the roads if possible.

“If you don’t need to drive, if you’re not an essential worker, I believe the governor put in a state of emergency,” Brew said. “Just stay off the roads. And a big thing is getting your cars off the road so our plows can get curb to curb.”

Brew also said it may be good advice not to shovel the section of snow between your driveway and the street, as plows can push snow back into cleared areas during their passes, making the snow mounds larger, and more difficult to shovel later on.

-- By Jack Ford