New Jersey’s worst dangerous winter storm is yet to come, with “record-breaking” snowfall totals expected Monday night and wind gusts reaching 60 mph.
“The worst conditions and heaviest snowfall will occur tonight,” the National Weather Service said in an update Sunday night. “Heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions are expected.”
Snowfall amounts are still expected to remain around 2 feet in southeastern Monmouth, Ocean and Burlington counties, which are expected to be the hardest hit.
“Record-breaking snowfall totals are possible,” the weather service said. “Travel should be limited to emergencies only.”
New Jersey Weather: Blizzard, Blizzard Forecast Track, Sunday, Monday Times
Rainfall totals are expected to range from at least 1 foot to 20 inches across the state, but some forecasts have been slightly reduced for counties in western New Jersey.
Hundreds of schools have announced closures for Monday, and some have told parents delays and closures will continue into Tuesday.
Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency in all 21 New Jersey counties ahead of the storm.
Statewide travel restrictions for non-essential vehicles are from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. New Jersey Transit also plans to close at 9 p.m.
Winds are expected to increase overnight, leading to daytime conditions.
“Strong winds of 45 mph inland and 60 mph near the coast may cause localized power outages and localized tree damage,” the weather service said.
As of 7:40 p.m. Sunday, more than 12,000 homes and businesses were without power.
“Snowfall is expected to taper off Monday morning and end from west to east sometime Monday afternoon,” the weather service said.
But cleanup could take several days.
“For areas with the highest snowfall totals, widespread impacts are possible and may last beyond Monday,” the weather service said.
The storm marked the first time in 30 years that all 21 New Jersey counties were under a blizzard warning.
Early snow reports from the weather service showed at least 5 to 6 inches of snow on the ground in several counties as of 7 p.m.
New Jersey Weather: Blizzard, Blizzard Forecast Track, Sunday, Monday Times
Blizzard warning, snowfall forecast by county
Atlantic and Cape May Counties – Total snow accumulation between 15 and 22 inches. Wind gusts as high as 55 mph.
Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union Counties – Snow accumulation between 17 and 22 inches. Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem and northwest Burlington Counties – Total snow accumulation between 14 and 20 inches. Wind gusts as high as 45 mph.
Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren Counties – Total snow accumulation between 13 and 21 inches. Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
Monmouth, Ocean and southeastern Burlington Counties – Total snow accumulation between 18 and 24 inches. Wind gusts as high as 55 mph.
coastal flooding
A coastal flood warning goes into effect at 9 p.m. and lasts until 5 a.m. at high tide along the Jersey Shore.
Moderate coastal flooding is possible from Middlesex County to Cape May County.
High tides Monday afternoon could cause additional flooding.
Current weather radar
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