Blizzard Conditions and Record Snowfall Possible as Winter Storm Impacts New Jersey

A major winter storm is impacting New Jersey, bringing blizzard warnings, widespread power outages, and the potential for record-breaking snowfall. The most severe conditions are expected overnight into Monday, with travel restricted to emergencies only.

Storm Overview

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued blizzard warnings for much of the state, forecasting widespread snowfall totals of 12 to 24 inches. Some areas, particularly Monmouth, Ocean, and southeastern Burlington counties, could see accumulations of 18 to 24 inches. Winds are expected to gust up to 60 mph near the coast and 45 mph inland, creating blizzard conditions and potential for localized tree damage and power outages. As of 7:40 p.m. Sunday, more than 12,000 homes and businesses were without power. National Weather Service

County-Specific Snowfall Projections

Here’s a breakdown of projected snowfall by county:

• Atlantic and Cape May counties: 15 to 22 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 55 mph.
• Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties: 17 to 22 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 50 mph.
• Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem and northwestern Burlington counties: 14 to 20 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 45 mph.
• Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties: 13 to 21 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 50 mph.
• Monmouth, Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties: 18 to 24 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 55 mph.

Travel Restrictions and Closures

Governor Mikie Sherrill has declared a state of emergency for all 21 New Jersey counties. A statewide travel restriction for non-essential vehicles is in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday. MSN Weather. NJ Transit has suspended service beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday. Hundreds of schools have announced closures for Monday, with some anticipating delays and closures extending into Tuesday.

Coastal Flooding Concerns

Coastal flood warnings are in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday through 5 a.m. Monday for high tides at the Jersey Shore. Moderate coastal flooding is possible from Middlesex to Cape May counties, with additional flooding possible during Monday afternoon’s high tides. Yahoo News

Looking Ahead

Snow is expected to gradually taper off Monday morning, ending from west to east sometime Monday afternoon. However, the cleanup could take days, particularly in areas that receive the highest snowfall totals. This storm marks the first time in 30 years that all 21 New Jersey counties are under blizzard warnings. National Weather Service