Mount Holly, NJ – After more than a foot of snow blanketed much of New Jersey, forecasters warned Monday that additional accumulation and strong winds will keep blizzard conditions in place through the evening, with another round of snow possible later this week.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly said 4 to 6 more inches of snow are expected in parts of Monmouth, Ocean, and southeastern Burlington counties before 6 p.m. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph, creating blowing snow and near-whiteout conditions.
Snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour were recorded early Monday across coastal areas, including Long Beach Island and parts of Ocean County. Inland gusts approached 45 mph, while coastal gusts reached up to 60 mph, according to the latest statement.
Blizzard warning in effect through 6 p.m.
The blizzard warning remains in effect for Eastern and Western Monmouth, Ocean, Coastal Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington counties until 6 p.m. Monday. Officials said travel could be very difficult, with blowing snow significantly reducing visibility.
The hazardous conditions are expected to impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches and worsen scattered power outages reported across the state.
- Additional 4 to 6 inches of snow possible Monday
- Wind gusts up to 50 mph inland, 60 mph along the coast
- Blizzard warning in effect until 6 p.m.
Forecasters said snow will taper off later Monday afternoon, with a high near 35 degrees. Areas of blowing snow are expected before midnight as northwest winds gradually decrease.
More snow possible late Tuesday into Wednesday
Tuesday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 32 degrees, but another system could bring light snow after 1 a.m. Wednesday. Less than a half inch of new accumulation is possible overnight, followed by a chance of rain and snow Wednesday morning as temperatures rise into the mid-40s.
The National Weather Service urged residents to restrict travel to emergencies only during peak storm conditions and to monitor updates from the National Weather Service as the winter storm continues to impact the region.
Heavy snow and strong winds continue to batter coastal counties