By LINDA MOSS and ERIN ROLL
moss@montclairlocal.news
roll@montclairlocal.news
The Montclair Office of Emergency Management shortly after noon Friday rescinded the state of emergency that was issued yesterday during the snow storm, but the municipality isn’t out of the woods yet.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for the region, including Essex County, that is in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday.
“Very cold wind chills expected,” the NWS said. “The cold wind chills will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin. Expect wind chills to range from 15 to 20 below zero at times.”
The service warned that “wind gusts around 45 mph will result in areas of blowing and drifting snow, and may lead to minor property damage and isolated power outages.”
The NWS also issued precautions that should be taken.
“A wind chill advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills,” it said. “Frost bite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves.”
At the Montclair Salvation Army Citadel on Trinity Place, business manager Michelle Kroeze said that between 25 and 30 people stayed at the citadel during the day. Kroeze said that Toni’s Kitchen hadn’t been able open, so the citadel served lunch. At 6 p.m., the guests went to the overnight respite shelter run by Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless (MESH).
“It was very busy. But you know what, the people were so grateful,” Kroeze said.
When asked what supplies were most needed, Kroeze said that the Salvation Army was in need of gift cards for Dunkin’ Donuts and Panera, which it gives to guests to allow them to get a meal.
“It’s busy all the time. There’s no slow season. The weather just makes it more stressful, because we care about the people we serve.”
Check back for updates on this story.