Jackson, NJ – A powerful winter system is set to hammer central and southern New Jersey beginning Sunday morning, with forecasters warning of whiteout conditions, wind gusts up to 50 mph, and snowfall totals approaching two feet in some communities.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Blizzard Warning for Eastern Monmouth, Western Monmouth, Ocean, Coastal Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington counties. The warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday and includes Freehold, Sandy Hook, Long Beach Island, Jackson, and Wharton State Forest.
Officials say total snow accumulations between 20 and 24 inches are expected across the warned area. Strong winds combined with heavy snowfall are forecast to create blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility, making travel very difficult to impossible at times.
The storm is expected to intensify Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, when snowfall rates increase and northeast winds strengthen to 15 to 25 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. Blowing snow is anticipated after 1 a.m. Monday, increasing the risk of whiteout conditions in open areas.
Saturday night will remain mostly cloudy with a slight chance of rain before 4 a.m. Sunday and again after 5 a.m., with lows around 33 degrees and calm winds.
Heavy snow and wind to cripple travel
Snow is forecast to begin Sunday, possibly mixed with rain early before changing to all snow by late afternoon. Daytime accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible before heavier snowfall develops.
Between 14 and 20 inches of snow could fall Sunday night alone, with an additional 3 to 7 inches possible Monday before the system tapers off in the afternoon. Winds will shift northwest Monday, remaining strong with gusts up to 40 mph, prolonging blowing and drifting snow even as snowfall decreases.
The National Weather Service warns that hazardous conditions could impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches, increasing the risk of scattered power outages.
- Blizzard Warning in effect 10 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday
- Forecast snowfall totals between 20 and 24 inches
- Wind gusts up to 50 mph expected to cause blowing snow and low visibility
Residents are advised to restrict travel to emergencies only. If travel is unavoidable, officials recommend carrying a winter survival kit and checking updated Road Conditions by calling 511.
The approaching Winter Storm is expected to rank among the most significant events of the season for portions of coastal and central New Jersey.
Timeline of the storm
Snow begins Sunday morning and becomes heavy at times by late afternoon. The most severe conditions are expected overnight into early Monday. Snow will continue into Monday morning before gradually diminishing by early afternoon. Monday night is forecast to remain mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 22 degrees and northwest winds between 10 and 15 mph.
Storm safety guidance issued as region braces for impact