New Jersey is preparing for a significant snowstorm as a blizzard is anticipated to hit the state on Sunday, February 22, potentially bringing up to 28 inches of snow to certain areas. Governor Mikie Sherrill announced statewide measures to counter the impending storm, including shutdowns on NJ Transit and speed restrictions on major highways.
As of 3 p.m. on Sunday, all trucks are banned from state highways, and speed limits have been lowered to 35 miles per hour. NJ Transit services, including buses, light rail, and Access Link, are set to be suspended at 6 p.m., with train services following suit and halting at 9 p.m. following assessments of the storm’s severity.
For the first time in three decades, all 21 counties in New Jersey are under a blizzard warning. Governor Sherrill indicated that this storm could be the worst since 1996, with a 90% chance of accumulating over a foot of snow statewide and potentially exceeding 2 feet along the coast. The storm’s intensity is expected to surge overnight, with snowfall rates projected to reach three inches per hour—significantly higher than the one inch per hour observed during the previous winter storm in January.
Sherrill urged residents to avoid traveling during the storm due to dangerous conditions, highlighting the risks of heavy, wet snow accompanied by winds gusting up to 60 miles per hour, which could lead to downed branches and trees in roadways. New Jersey State Police officials underscored the life-threatening nature of travel during such severe weather due to reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions.
In preparation, search-and-rescue teams are on standby with specialized vehicles, and additional state patrol units are deployed to assist. NJ Transit President Kris Kolluri emphasized the importance of ensuring safety during the storm and the necessity of adapting to the adverse conditions, as the transit system is designed to facilitate safe travel to final destinations.
The state of emergency, declared by Sherrill on Saturday, took effect at noon on Sunday, coinciding with the issuance of a blizzard warning by the National Weather Service, which will remain in place until 6 p.m. on February 23. This warning extends into New York City and parts of Connecticut, indicating a broader impact from this major weather event.
The storm is expected to create challenging travel conditions, particularly affecting Monday morning and evening commutes. While Sherrill has only been in office for a month, this will mark the second severe winter storm to hit New Jersey during her short tenure. The prior storm in January resulted in widespread disruptions, but despite the challenges, residents and officials are determined to navigate this new winter crisis effectively.