Due to ongoing snow removal efforts and safety concerns stemming from a historic blizzard, all Montclair Public Schools and offices will remain closed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. As a result, Monday, March 30, 2026, will be designated as a regular school day to ensure the district meets its required instructional days for the year.
The blizzard, which began Sunday afternoon, has heavily impacted Montclair and surrounding Essex County, with some areas reporting over two feet of snow. The severe weather conditions have led to travel disruptions, transit suspensions, and numerous business and school closures.
On Monday afternoon, Governor Mikie Sherrill lifted the mandatory travel restrictions that had been imposed since 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. However, she emphasized the importance of caution, urging residents to stay off the roads and remain indoors since the situation still poses hazards and crews are working diligently to clear the roads.
As of Monday afternoon, NJ Transit services—including train, bus, and Access Link—remained suspended. In Montclair, officials noted that the storm exceeded initial forecasts, significantly affecting local operations.
To facilitate snow removal, the township has extended its no parking order until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, allowing plow crews to work effectively. Garbage and recycling collections scheduled for Tuesday have been canceled with no plans for makeup dates, and municipal offices are set to open at 10 a.m. on a delayed schedule.
Residents are being advised to exercise caution while clearing snow themselves to ensure their safety and to avoid interfering with the work of the plowing crews. Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville reported that power has been restored to residents near Dryden Road after outages caused by downed trees.
For safety, residents are encouraged to refrain from clearing the ends of their driveways—known as curb cuts—until plowing operations are completed. The township is recommending the “snow pocket” method, which involves clearing a small area beside driveways to provide space for plow crews. Additionally, shoveling small amounts of snow regularly, rather than waiting for larger accumulations, can help mitigate strain and prevent injuries.
Local and state authorities are continuing to advise residents to remain vigilant, check on neighbors, and limit travel until roads are entirely cleared, contributing to the ongoing efforts to recover from this significant weather event.