As winter approaches, New Jersey has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the season’s first major winter storm. This declaration, effective starting Tuesday at 5 a.m. ET, affects several counties in the northwestern region of the state.
Emergency Declaration in New Jersey
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the state of emergency due to expected hazardous weather conditions. The storm is likely to bring heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain.
- Emergency effective: 5 a.m. ET on Tuesday
- Reason: Potentially significant winter storm
- Counties affected: Several in northwestern New Jersey
The state’s Department of Transportation is mobilizing crews overnight to manage the hazardous conditions. Residents are urged to exercise caution while driving.
Impact Across the Region
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for New England. The warnings span from Albany, New York, to Portland, Maine. Expected weather conditions include:
- Enhanced winter precipitation
- Possibly gusty winds, particularly inland
The storm has already impacted other areas. In parts of the Midwest, a general forecast anticipates 2 to 5 inches of snow on Monday night. The Ohio Valley could see a similar accumulation with 3 to 6 inches of snow expected overnight.
Forecast and Preparations
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also warned upstate residents to prepare for significant snowfall. She reassured citizens that state agencies are ready to assist and that snowplow crews will work to maintain safe roadways.
- Heavy snow accumulation estimates: Over 6 inches possible north and west of the I-95 corridor
By Tuesday morning, snowfall is likely to extend from Pittsburgh to Cleveland and into western and upstate New York, with Pittsburgh under a winter weather advisory predicting 2 to 5 inches of snow.
As we move into Tuesday evening, New England can expect persistent heavy snow, with local forecasts predicting 6 to 12 inches of snow by early Wednesday morning. Additionally, heavy rain is predicted for major cities including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.
This winter storm arrives on the heels of a previous system that caused significant snow in the Midwest, disrupting holiday travel. Residents are encouraged to stay informed of the evolving weather situation as it unfolds.
