Trenton, NJ – A powerful winter storm blanketed much of New Jersey late Sunday into early Monday, dumping more than a foot of snow across northern counties and creating widespread travel delays from Sussex County to the Jersey Shore.
The highest totals were recorded in the northwest corner of the state, where Branchville led with 17 inches, followed by 16.5 inches in Wantage Township and 16.4 inches in Green Pond. In nearby Tenafly, Ringwood, and Newton, snowfall reached between 15 and 16 inches, as heavy bands lingered over the northern hills through late Sunday night.
Across Bergen, Passaic, and Morris counties, totals consistently ranged from 14 to 16 inches, coating neighborhoods, closing schools, and slowing the Monday morning commute. The National Weather Service reported localized whiteout conditions as the nor’easter intensified overnight.
Other parts of the state saw slightly lower but still significant accumulations, including 11.6 inches in Bedminster Township, 11.5 inches at Newark Liberty International Airport, and 11.3 inches in Montville. Plow crews worked through the night to clear major routes such as Interstates 80, 287, and 195.
Farther south, Ocean County communities also saw substantial snowfall. Jackson recorded 11.8 inches, Lakewood reported 10 inches, and Toms River measured 9 inches as the storm’s heaviest bands brushed the northern edge of the southern coastal plain. Southern coastal areas, including Atlantic and Cape May counties, received between 6 and 8 inches before the system moved offshore early Monday.
Key points:
- Branchville reported the state’s highest snowfall with 17 inches
- North Jersey communities, including Tenafly and Ringwood, saw 14–16 inches
- Jackson recorded 11.8 inches, Lakewood 10 inches, and Toms River 9 inches
As cleanup continues, state officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert for black ice as temperatures dip below freezing overnight.
