A state of emergency has been declared for parts of northern New Jersey starting Tuesday morning for a winter storm that is forecasted to bring a mix of snow, sleet and rain to the state.
The state of emergency takes effect at 5 a.m. and includes Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties.
“Starting early tomorrow morning, we will experience potentially significant winter weather resulting in hazardous conditions in the northwestern part of our state,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement.
“With snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain expected to impact travel and safety on our roads, I am declaring a State of Emergency for Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties,” the governor added. “I urge all drivers in these areas to exercise caution, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”
The latest forecast calls for a mix of snow, sleet, rain and a glaze of ice for parts of New Jersey on Tuesday.National Weather Service
Winter weather alerts have been issued in five northern New Jersey counties with up to 6 inches of snow possible on Tuesday from a storm that will also bring heavy rain to southern counties.
The National Weather Service’s 4 p.m. briefing on Monday called for a winter weather advisory in northwestern New Jersey including Sussex, Hunterdon, Warren, Morris and northern Passaic Counties.
The afternoon forecast slightly reduced expected snowfall totals while increasing the likelihood of freezing rain.
Sussex County is forecast to see the highest snowfall totals, with 3 to 6 inches expected, according to the afternoon briefing.
Snow is expected to begin falling Tuesday morning and continue through the day in areas where the heaviest snow is expected.
Early snow will turn to freezing rain midday Tuesday along the northwest I-95 corridor and into the I-78 corridor, forecasters said.
Areas along and south of I-195, including the Jersey Shore, will see only rain, with total precipitation amounts ranging from a half-inch to 1.25 inches.
The storm will bring northeast winds Tuesday morning, shifting to northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph by afternoon.
The Tuesday morning commute will be most affected in the areas under weather advisories, forecasters said.
In a post on X Monday night, Murphy reminded residents to be careful on the roads during the morning commute.
“This will be the first snowfall of the season, which is expected to occur during the Tuesday morning rush hour commute,” the National Weather Service said Monday afternoon. “Impacts may be more significant than usual, even if observed snowfall amounts end up closer to the 1-2 inch range.”
The state of emergency decision can be made to help respond to hazardous weather conditions or in anticipation of them to prevent or alleviate “damages, loss, hardship or suffering,” according to the N.J. Office of Emergency Management.
By declaring a state of emergency, the governor urges all nonessential personnel to stay off the roads so as not to interfere with law enforcement and emergency responders.
An emergency declaration doesn’t mean motorists will be ticketed for merely being on the roads and “essential” personnel is not defined by law.
