TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency across seven South Jersey counties as a powerful winter storm brings heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures to the region.
The state of emergency, effective as of 10:00 p.m. Sunday, applies to Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. The declaration, outlined in Executive Order No. 374, enables the state to deploy resources as needed to address hazardous conditions caused by the storm.
“Throughout our state, we are experiencing severe winter weather resulting in hazardous conditions, with snowfall expected to reach a high of six to eight inches in our southern counties,” Murphy said in a statement. He warned that the storm could severely impact Monday commutes and urged drivers to stay off the roads whenever possible.
The National Weather Service has forecast snowfall totals of up to eight inches in some areas, accompanied by freezing rain and wind gusts that could create dangerous travel conditions and possible power outages. Emergency management teams have been activated to monitor and respond to the storm’s impact.
State officials have encouraged residents to visit the state’s emergency preparedness website, ready.nj.gov, for updates and to monitor weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service. Residents of northern counties, which are expected to experience less severe conditions, are advised to follow updates from the New York-based weather office, while central and southern counties are directed to the Philadelphia/Mount Holly office.
As crews work to clear roads and restore power, state officials are asking residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety during the storm.
