As of December 26, a winter storm warning remains in effect across much of North Jersey and the surrounding areas, with expectations of heavy snowfall and dangerous travel conditions. According to the National Weather Service, significant snowfall is predicted to begin Friday evening, with rates potentially surpassing an inch per hour in some locations.
Forecasts indicate total snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches in the storm warning zone, which encompasses Morris, Sussex, Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Certain regions may see totals exceeding 10 inches, though the exact locations for the heaviest snowfall remain uncertain. Travelers should be aware that sleet could mix in, possibly reducing total snow amounts in some areas.
Snow is anticipated to start falling around 5 p.m. in Northeastern New Jersey, with the initially dry, powdery snow expected to become wetter overnight. The winter storm warning is set to remain in effect until Saturday morning to early afternoon.
Travelers are advised to prepare for disruptions from Friday evening into Saturday morning. In a bid to ensure safety, the National Weather Service has recommended key travel tips, including sharing travel plans, packing emergency kits, winterizing vehicles, checking road conditions, and staying updated on weather forecasts.
Local snowfall predictions by town as of the morning of December 26 include:
– Atlantic City: 0.5 inches
– Bayonne: 7 inches
– Jersey City: 7 inches
– Newark: 7 inches
– Trenton: 3 inches
As the storm approaches, Newark Airport and others have reported numerous flight delays and cancellations. By early afternoon on December 26, Newark recorded 210 cancellations and 143 delays, as travelers navigate the busy year-end travel surge. Over 8 million people are expected to fly domestically during the holiday season, prompting airlines such as United, American, and Southwest to issue travel alerts and accommodate affected passengers by waiving change fees and offering flexible options.
With preparations underway and advisories in place, communities are urged to take precautions during this winter storm. Despite the challenges, forecasts signal a community response that knows how to adapt to changing weather conditions and prioritize safety.