New Jersey Declares Emergency in 5 Counties Amid Winter Storm

A winter storm is set to impact northern New Jersey, prompting a state of emergency for five counties. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the emergency declaration, effective from 5 a.m. on Tuesday. The affected areas include Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties.

Winter Storm Forecast Details

The storm is expected to bring a hazardous mix of snow, sleet, and rain. Governor Murphy emphasized the caution required for drivers in affected regions, stating, “I urge all drivers in these areas to exercise caution, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”

National Weather Service Alerts

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather alerts for the five counties. The forecast includes:

• Up to 6 inches of snow possible on Tuesday.
• Heavy rain expected in southern counties.
• A winter weather advisory for areas including Sussex, Hunterdon, Warren, Morris, and northern Passaic Counties.

According to the latest updates, Sussex County is anticipated to receive the highest snowfall, with estimates between 3 to 6 inches. Snowfall is expected to begin early Tuesday morning and continue throughout the day.

Changing Weather Conditions

As the day progresses, snow will transition to freezing rain along the northwest I-95 corridor and I-78 corridor. In contrast, areas south of I-195, including the Jersey Shore, will primarily experience rain, with total precipitation estimated between half an inch to 1.25 inches.

Impact on Commuters

The storm’s winds are predicted to shift from northeast to northwest, reaching speeds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph in the afternoon. This winter weather event will mainly affect the Tuesday morning commute in regions under advisory.

Governor Murphy reminded residents via a social media post to be cautious while traveling. This storm marks the first significant snowfall of the season, and its timing during rush hour could lead to notable disruptions, even if snowfall totals are lower than expected.

Emergency Measures and Recommendations

The state of emergency is designed to enable a prompt response to severe weather conditions and aimed to mitigate damages or hardships. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management states that this declaration encourages nonessential personnel to stay off the roads, aiding law enforcement and emergency responders. It should be noted that being on the roads does not automatically result in tickets for motorists.