Fernando Blychanton is all smiles as the snow blower he bought finally proves a very worthy investment. (Photos by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
Red Bankers Monday began the task of digging out from the largest snowfall in years, with the town apparently escaping any large-scale power outages or other major meteorological misfortune.
By the time snow tapered off in mid-afternoon, most streets we checked had been plowed to the blacktop, or close to it, with the borough reporting that more widespread compliance with parking rules had helped plow drivers get the job done.
“Overall, Red Bank fared ok during this storm,” Borough Manager Jim Gant said in an email response to questions from redbankgreen. “We were fortunate to see relatively limited power outages and minimal issues with downed trees or power lines compared to what could have been. That certainly helped our crews focus on snow removal and cleanup operations.”
With more than two feet of snow recorded in eastern Monmouth County, the cleanup will likely continue for days. Read on for more details on the storm and photos galore from our early morning walk across town in the thick of the blizzard.
A fire engine from West Side Hose Company makes its way across Drs. James Parker Boulevard. The Red Bank Fire Department was called to a person trapped in an elevator on Broad Street at about 7:30 am.
It certainly was a storm for the ages.
Snow began falling shortly after 1pm Sunday, and by 7:30 a.m., fourteen inches had fallen in Red Bank, according to the National Weather Service snow total reports. Freehold recorded 26 inches had fallen by noon and 25 inches had fallen in Middletown by 12:30 pm. Final totals are likely to be higher all around.
Gant praised employees with the Department of Public Utilities, whose work he called “outstanding.”
“Their dedication throughout the storm — and now into the cleanup phase — has been outstanding. They worked around the clock to keep roads passable and safe (still working), and they’ll continue clearing corners, pushing back snowbanks, and addressing secondary streets and municipal lots for the majority of the week ahead. While this is their job, it’s important to recognize that they’re doing it while being away from their own families, often putting their own homes and responsibilities on hold until the Borough is fully taken care of.”
We also maintained close coordination through our Emergency Management team all night long. We met multiple times throughout the week and again on Saturday to continue our storm planning and response efforts. I’m very pleased with how our crews, police officers, and all departments across the Borough worked together seamlessly, including our robust communications effort.”
Retired renowned boxer Freddie Boynton was declared winner over the Blizzard of 2026 by TKO after one round with the snow blower. 
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
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