MOUNT HOLLY, NJ – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for nearly all of New Jersey as forecasters warn of a powerful system expected to dump heavy snow across the state from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon.
Meteorologists in Mount Holly say the storm could bring snow totals exceeding six inches in many areas, with gusty winds up to 35 mph creating hazardous travel and possible whiteout conditions. The storm is expected to impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes, making road conditions dangerous and travel potentially “very difficult.”
The advisory covers all regions of the state—from Sussex and Warren Counties in the north to Cape May and Atlantic Counties along the southern coast. Residents are being urged to monitor local forecasts and prepare for deteriorating weather late this weekend.
Timeline of the storm
The first flakes could begin falling early Sunday, initially mixing with rain in southern areas before transitioning to all snow by late afternoon. The heaviest snowfall is expected Sunday night, with periods of heavy accumulation continuing into Monday morning. Conditions should begin to taper off by Monday afternoon, though lingering snow showers could persist into the evening.
Saturday is forecast to be calm and partly cloudy with highs near 48, offering a brief break before the storm moves in. Forecasters also warn of the potential for power outages and poor visibility due to wind-driven snow.
- Winter Storm Watch in effect statewide Sunday through Monday
- Over 6 inches of snow and 35 mph gusts possible
- Major travel impacts expected for Monday commuters
Latest National Weather Service Warning:
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
150 PM EST Fri Feb 20 2026
NJZ001-007>010-012>027-210800-
/O.NEW.KPHI.WS.A.0002.260222T1100Z-260223T2300Z/
Sussex-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon-Somerset-Middlesex-Western
Monmouth-Eastern Monmouth-Mercer-Salem-Gloucester-Camden-
Northwestern Burlington-Ocean-Cumberland-Atlantic-Cape May-
Atlantic Coastal Cape May-Coastal Atlantic-Coastal Ocean-
Southeastern Burlington-
Including the cities of Pennsville, Somerville, Glassboro,
Camden, Moorestown, Flemington, Morristown, Wharton State Forest,
Sandy Hook, Mount Holly, Ocean City, Long Beach Island,
Hammonton, New Brunswick, Trenton, Jackson, Cape May Court House,
Newton, Atlantic City, Millville, Cherry Hill, Washington, and
Freehold
150 PM EST Fri Feb 20 2026
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY
AFTERNOON…
* WHAT…Heavy snow, with total snow accumulations exceeding 6
inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of central, northern, northwest, and southern New
Jersey.
* WHEN…From Sunday morning through Monday afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions
could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.