New Jersey Braces for Snowstorm with Up to 5 Inches Expected

A winter storm is set to impact New Jersey starting Saturday evening, with snowfall accumulations ranging from 1 to 5 inches across the state. Certain areas, particularly along the I-95 corridor and regions immediately southeast in southern New Jersey, may experience totals exceeding 5 inches.

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories for 19 counties, effective from 7 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday. Sussex and Passaic counties are excluded from the advisory, as they are expected to receive only 1 to 2 inches of snow.

Precipitation may begin as rain along and southeast of Interstate 95 before transitioning to snow late Saturday evening into the overnight hours. Areas north of Interstate 78 and west of Interstate 287 are expected to see snow from the start, with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated after midnight Saturday into Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service warns that untreated surfaces will become slippery, particularly from late evening through mid-morning Sunday. Wind gusts up to 30 mph are possible after the storm, potentially causing blowing and drifting snow. Arctic air will surge into New Jersey Sunday night, bringing bitterly cold conditions, with wind chill values dropping into the single digits and some locations possibly reaching below zero.

Residents are advised to exercise caution while traveling during the storm and to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.