New Jersey is bracing for a major winter storm as blizzard warnings expand statewide and updated forecasts call for higher snow totals, prompting urgent pleas from state leaders for residents to stay off the roads.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a statewide state of emergency beginning at noon Sunday, warning that conditions could rapidly worsen into potentially life-threatening territory. Officials said the storm is expected to bring wet, heavy snow and powerful winds capable of triggering whiteout conditions, dangerous drifting, and widespread power outages.
Statewide blizzard warning and rapidly worsening forecast
Emergency managers said the blizzard warning now covers all 21 counties in New Jersey, a rare setup that officials described as the most serious in decades. Sherrill urged residents to take the warning seriously, avoid non-essential travel, and stay indoors through Monday as the storm intensifies.
Officials stressed this system is expected to be notably stronger than the January storm that hit the region last month, with snowfall rates projected to be heavier at peak periods and winds strong enough to reduce visibility to near zero in exposed areas.
Travel restrictions and transit shutdowns
State officials announced a series of travel and transit measures designed to limit exposure during the storm’s worst conditions.
A commercial vehicle ban began at 3 p.m. Sunday on all highways except the New Jersey Turnpike, and speed limits on major roadways were reduced to 35 mph. New Jersey Transit planned to run buses and light rail only until 6 p.m., with service suspended afterward. Trains were expected to operate into the evening, though riders were warned to anticipate a shutdown later Sunday night depending on conditions.
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Massive storm response and emergency operations
Crews from state and local agencies are deploying thousands of workers and 4,500 pieces of equipment, along with more than 450,000 tons of salt for post-storm road clearing operations. Search-and-rescue teams equipped with high-wheeled vehicles and snowmobiles were placed on standby as the State Emergency Operations Center moved to heightened activation.
Officials repeatedly emphasized that travel can wait, but lives cannot, urging residents to remain home and allow plows and emergency responders to operate without added road traffic.
Coastal flooding risk adds another layer of danger
Coastal flooding warnings remain in effect for multiple counties, raising the risk for communities near bays, rivers, and tidal waterways. Officials urged residents to avoid driving through standing water and to follow local evacuation guidance where applicable.
Power outage preparation and warming centers
Utility crews and contractors have been staged across the state, including mutual aid teams from out of state, to respond to downed trees and damaged lines. Residents were told to charge devices, prepare flashlights and backup batteries, and report outages immediately if power is lost.
Warming center information and assistance resources are available through state and local services, including NJ 2-1-1.
What residents should do now
Officials urged residents to avoid all travel through Monday, check on elderly neighbors, and prepare for prolonged disruptions. State offices will be closed Monday, and residents were encouraged to work from home if possible.
For continuing coverage and live updates from local officials, see ABC7 New York’s winter storm reporting.
