Gov. Mikie Sherrill said New Jersey is prepared for the approaching blizzard as a state of emergency begins at noon Sunday.
Sherrill said blizzard conditions are expected in all 21 counties. “We’re anticipating an incredibly dangerous storm, the likes of which we have not seen since 1996,” she said. Forecasts show two to three inches of snow an hour overnight in some areas, along with heavy, wet snow and winds up to 50 mph, especially along the coast.
Travel is expected to be extremely dangerous. Sherrill said visibility will be low, and falling tree branches will add risk because of the strong winds.
A commercial vehicle ban begins at 3 p.m., and transit closures are expected later Sunday as updated storm information comes in.
She said recent winter storms may have caused fatigue, but that this one is different because of the widespread blizzard conditions. “These roads are not going to be easily traveled overnight,” Sherrill said.
Warming centers will be open across the state. Sherrill encouraged residents to check on neighbors, charge devices and stay off the roads so emergency vehicles and utility crews can work safely.
Sheltering in place is being recommended for essential workers traveling overnight, including hospital staff and EMTs. Some roads may close as conditions intensify with heavy snow and wind.
She warned that utility service may be affected and urged residents to report outages so crews know where help is needed.
NJ Transit plans to operate through the day before shutting down Sunday evening. Updated schedules will be released as new storm information becomes available.
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