Blizzard Warning Issued for Jersey Counties as Historic Storm Threatens Up to 25 Inches of Snow

A potentially historic winter storm will bring blizzard conditions to much of New Jersey through Monday evening, prompting the National Weather Service to upgrade winter storm warnings to blizzard warnings across multiple counties.

The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings Sunday morning for Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Salem, Somerset and Sussex counties in New Jersey, along with several Pennsylvania counties including Bucks, Carbon, Delaware, Lower Montgomery, Monroe and Philadelphia. The warnings remain in effect until 6 p.m. Monday, according to the weather service.

Expected snow accumulations have increased to 10 to 20 inches for most southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey counties covered by the Mount Holly weather office. Some areas could see 18 to 25 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

“Blizzard conditions will lead to life-threatening or impossible travel conditions,” the weather service stated during its 6 a.m. briefing Sunday. “Snowfall rates of 2 inches or greater are possible. Widespread closures and impacts to infrastructure likely.”

The storm will bring dangerous conditions including blowing and drifting snow that will reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less, according to the weather service. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph during the storm.

The blizzard warning covers areas along the Interstate 95 corridor and all of New Jersey, as well as Philadelphia metropolitan and suburban areas, according to the National Weather Service.

In response to the severe weather threat, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation implemented road restrictions Saturday afternoon that will affect travel to and from New Jersey.

Starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Tier 1 road restrictions went into effect on major highways including I-76 from Carlisle to New Jersey, the entire length of I-78, I-80 from I-81 to New Jersey, and I-95 along its entire length. The restrictions also apply to I-276, I-295, I-476, Route 33 and Route 22 from I-78 to New Jersey, according to PennDOT.

Under the Tier 1 restrictions, numerous vehicle types are prohibited from using these highways. Banned vehicles include tractors without trailers, tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded trailers, unloaded cargo delivery trucks that qualify as commercial motor vehicles, and passenger vehicles towing trailers, according to the transportation department.

The restrictions also prohibit recreational vehicles, motorhomes, school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches and motorcycles from using the affected highways.

Additional vehicle restrictions and reduced speed limits are expected as the storm progresses, according to PennDOT.

The storm system represents a significant weather event for the region, with the National Weather Service describing it as potentially historic. The combination of heavy snowfall, strong winds and reduced visibility creates dangerous conditions that could make travel impossible in many areas.

Local authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to prepare for potential power outages and infrastructure impacts. The blizzard conditions are expected to create widespread disruptions across the affected counties.

The weather service continues to monitor the storm’s progress and may issue additional updates as conditions develop. Residents in the warning areas should stay informed about changing conditions and heed all travel advisories issued by local and state authorities.

This developing weather situation will continue to impact the region through Monday evening, with the most severe conditions expected during the height of the storm.