Jersey City is no stranger to harsh Northeast winters. With its location on the Hudson River and dense urban layout, heavy snow and ice can cause chaos for businesses—from blocked parking lots and frozen sidewalks to delayed deliveries. Over the years, several major winter storms have left their mark on Jersey City, but businesses that invested in professional snow removal services often fared far better than those that didn’t.
In this post, we’ll look back at five of the most significant winter storms to hit the area, their impact on local businesses, and how reliable snow plowing and ice management made the difference.
1. The Blizzard of 1996
The Blizzard of ’96 was one of the most infamous winter storms in the Northeast, dumping nearly 20 inches of snow across Jersey City in just a couple of days. Businesses without snow management contracts struggled to dig out, with many retail stores forced to close for days.
But companies that partnered with professional snow removal services were able to reopen much faster. Parking lots were plowed, sidewalks were cleared, and customers could safely return—giving them a competitive advantage.
2. The Presidents’ Day Storm of 2003
In February 2003, Jersey City saw nearly two feet of snow in less than 48 hours. For businesses in Journal Square and the downtown area, sidewalks and entryways became dangerously icy. Slip-and-fall accidents skyrocketed across the city.
Commercial properties that had ice control services in place managed to minimize liability and keep their entrances safe. This storm proved the importance of not only plowing but also proactive de-icing and sidewalk management.
3. The “Snowmageddon” of 2010
The February 2010 blizzard, nicknamed “Snowmageddon,” buried much of the tri-state area under record snowfall. Jersey City businesses near the waterfront and in high-traffic retail districts faced particular challenges, as snow piles reduced visibility and clogged up limited parking space.
Companies that invested in snow hauling and relocation were able to keep traffic flowing, while others had to wait for city plows to catch up. Snow hauling became the key differentiator for maintaining business continuity during this storm.
4. The Blizzard of 2016 (“Snowzilla”)
January 2016 brought another historic blizzard, dropping nearly 27 inches of snow on Jersey City. For businesses, this storm highlighted how important 24/7 storm monitoring and rapid response truly are.
Those with snow removal contracts that included real-time monitoring had crews dispatched automatically during the storm, meaning properties were cleared before employees and customers even returned. Others who waited until the storm ended were buried under massive drifts and couldn’t reopen for days.
5. The January 2022 Nor’easter
More recently, the January 2022 Nor’easter dropped nearly 20 inches of snow along the Hudson County area. Jersey City businesses faced high winds, extreme cold, and icy road conditions.
Here, the businesses that stayed operational were the ones with comprehensive snow and ice management plans, including plowing, sidewalk clearing, and continuous de-icing. This storm was a reminder that in Jersey City, being prepared means more than just plowing—it means full winter risk management.
What These Storms Teach Us
Looking back, each storm carried the same lesson: businesses with professional snow removal services in Jersey City always come out ahead. The benefits are clear:
- Faster reopening after major snowfalls
- Reduced liability from icy sidewalks and parking lots
- Improved safety for employees and customers
- Protection of revenue by minimizing downtime
- Peace of mind knowing your property is handled 24/7
How PSM Snow Protects Jersey City Businesses
At PSM Snow, we specialize in keeping Jersey City properties clear and safe, no matter how severe the storm. Our services include:
- Commercial snow plowing for lots and access roads
- Snow hauling & relocation when piles block visibility
- Ice control and de-icing for maximum safety
- Sidewalk clearing to reduce liability risks
- 24/7 storm monitoring and rapid dispatch crews
With our proactive approach, you won’t be left scrambling when the snow hits—we’ve got you covered from the first flake to the final cleanup.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Jersey City has weathered some of the toughest winter storms in the Northeast, and history shows that prepared businesses fare better. Don’t wait until the next blizzard leaves your property buried.
👉 Contact PSM Snow today to schedule your commercial snow removal in Jersey City, NJ and ensure your business stays safe, open, and accessible this winter.
