New Jerseyans react to impending winter storm

Travelers visited the Monmouth Service on the Garden State Parkway Area Monday evening. Roads were still passable at the time and the precipitation was more of an icy mix.

The operations indoors were bare-bones with some businesses closed and the rest stop manager working to get as many employees home as possible.

Charlie Gartlan of Manchester was on his way home from a business appointment in Scobeyville.

“The roads, when I left Toms River, were pretty clear. But I’m heading home and I’m staying home.”

Despite a blizzard warning, John Hayes of Bayville was convinced by his niece to take her to the airport so she could catch her flight to Montana. They made it just miles from Newark before turning around due to a canceled flight.

“We drove a lot. Now I’m clearing out my windshield wipers that keep freezing on me.”

Cynthia Signore of Toms River was on her way home from work as an accounts receivable manager in Sayreville. She won’t have to trek back until Wednesday at the earliest.

“My company closed. They told us, ‘Stay home. Don’t even bother. Don’t think about it.’”

Garrison McDermott of Ocean City traveled 100 miles through the storm before his stop at the service area. He and his son were on their way back from a trip to Marist College in New York, where his son hopes to become part of the crew team.

“It’s worth it to get this kid in a good college.”

Rich Smith from Stanhope was headed to Atlantic City for work, not pleasure – a swimming pool and spa convention. He’s hoping his company picks up the tab for an extra night of lodging at Caesars.

“We’re actually coming down a day earlier. We’re supposed to be there tomorrow, but we’re not making it tomorrow.”

He’s only on the logistics side, but Joshua Hall of Toms River said these are the times of the year when his employer is needed the most. Vision Construction Group provides towns and parking lots with their plow services.

“If you don’t have to be out, definitely get inside.”