With the entire state under a blizzard warning for the first time since 1996, residents in Long Branch, New Jersey, spent the morning stocking up and bracing for what forecasters say could bring as much as 30 inches of snow.
Benjamin Cohen, a resident and local doctor, said he made an early-morning run to the grocery store to prepare.
“I ran out at 7 a.m. to the supermarket and grabbed as much food as I could,” Cohen said. “Filled my car up with gas and I’m going to enjoy not working tomorrow.”
He admits he wasn’t ready for the last big storm.
“I didn’t believe the last one, so I wasn’t prepared. I learned from my mistake,” he said, recalling sliding on icy roads. “This time I got what I need. I just have to get more water.”
Before the snow starts falling in earnest, he plans to enjoy brunch with friends. “It’s not going to start until later, right?” he said. “This is the calm before it all begins.”
George Nikolis, who has lived in the area for six years, echoed that sentiment.
“My fiancée and I stocked up on essentials for the next two to three days,” he said. “Based on the forecast, it looks like conditions will deteriorate quickly.”
Nikolis said he plans to stay put and watch the storm unfold.