AREA – Union County residents are still working to shovel out from under almost two feet of snow courtesy of what meteorologists are calling one of the biggest winter storms to hit the region since 2010.

Sunday’s storm, which followed on the heels of a similar weather event, led to multiple power outages, two-day school closures and challenging road conditions throughout the area. Westfield schools warned that the second day was the last of those built into the calendar, and that any subsequent closures would need to be taken away from Spring Break.

Hundreds of flights out of Newark Liberty International Airport and other major hubs were cancelled or postponed, leaving thousands of travelers stranded at their terminals for the duration of the storm.

According to information provided by the National Weather Service, the storm, which began on Sunday evening and continued through Monday afternoon, dumped between 19 and 21 inches of fresh powder on Cranford, Westfield and Clark. Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Garwood and Mountainside fared slightly better with totals topping out between 15 and 17 inches.

Several motor vehicle accidents – including one involving a Mountainside Police vehicle and others involving utility poles – were reported as a result of the storm.

Local Fire Departments are asking residents to help clear snow and ice from hydrants in order to better facilitate emergency access.

“Our crews have been working since the storm ended to dig them out, but we can use your help,” the Westfield Fire Department said via social media on Tuesday, “Every minute counts during a fire emergency. A few minutes of shoveling now could make a lifesaving difference later. The Department is asking that residents clear a threefoot radius around all hydrants wherever possible and shovel out a clear path from the hydrant to the street.

Residents are also being reminded that it is their responsibility to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes and are asked to help out their neighbors whenever possible.

Another small storm dropped an extra inch on the area Wednesday morning, frustrating drivers during the commute. More snow is predicted for early next week.