Snow Squalls Possible In Parts Of NJ Ahead Of 2 Weekend Storms

NEW JERSEY - Several Garden State counties may see rain and a snow squall Wednesday before two bigger systems could slam the region with heavy rain, fierce winds, flooding and thunderstorms this weekend.

As of 12:30 p.m., Sussex, Warren and Morris counties were issued a special weather statement by the National Weather Service, with forecasters warning of a quick burst of snowfall that can quickly reduce visibilities on roadways.

"Use extra caution, reduce speed and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Be alert for sudden whiteout conditions and get off on the nearest exit or avoid travel until the squall passes."

Later this week, the first of two major storms set to hit New Jersey could move into the northeast as early as Friday evening, according to the National Weather Service. If temperatures drop low enough, North Jersey could even see some snow before changing over to rain, the weather service said.

The two big storms, brewing near the Canada border and the Gulf, respectively, are set to converge over the weekend, AccuWeather meteorologists said. Coastal flooding during high tide will be possible, as well as significant beach erosion from the Carolinas to New Jersey.

While the bulk of the storm is set to exit the region by Saturday afternoon, drizzle and breezes could linger as long as Sunday in the Garden State, AccuWeather added, noting airline delays may be possible given low clouds and rain.

Before the major storms, however, light showers are expected Wednesday afternoon. Though temperatures are slated to soar up to around 50 degrees in the state, winds with gusts up to 30 mph could further the chill in the region, the National Weather Service said. Related: Cold Snap, Rain To Kick Off Spring Start In NJ

A sunny Thursday and Friday will see highs in the mid-40s and gusts up to 10 mph, the weather service added.

Tonight won't be as chilly as last night, and Wednesday will be noticeably milder than Tuesday. Some light showers will push in, possibly reaching I-95 in the afternoon. Brisk weather returns for Thursday, but with sunshine. #pawx #mdwx #dewx #njwx pic.twitter.com/IQTlJudhsH
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) March 20, 2024

Here's the latest forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

North Jersey

Wednesday: Showers likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 46. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: A chance of rain and snow showers before 7 p.m., then a chance of snow showers between 7 and 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 22. Blustery, with a northwest wind 20 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 35. Breezy, with a northwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind around 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Rain and snow likely, becoming all rain after 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Central Jersey

Wednesday: A chance of showers, mainly after 5 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 58. Breezy, with a west wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 28. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 43. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Rain likely, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

South Jersey

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 46. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Rain likely, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.