Snowy Blast Closes NJ Schools, Disrupts Commute: Latest Forecast

NEW JERSEY - A winter storm expected to bring several inches of snow to parts of the state has closed scores of schools and prompted speed advisories across multiple thoroughfares in New Jersey Tuesday morning.

The storm already dropped up to nearly three inches of wintery mix near the shore and the greater Philadelphia region; another 1 to 3 inches of snow may pile up after 7 a.m. in counties above I-80 Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The snow is expected to taper off Tuesday morning into the afternoon, forecasters said, with low temperatures plummeting even lower into the teens Tuesday night.

“Snow will transition to an icy mix from south to north early this morning before tapering off,” the National Weather Service Mount Holly station wrote. “Snow will be more persistent NW. Temps moderate near the coast, but stay near or sub-freezing elsewhere. Very cold tonight!”

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The sudden drop may prove treacherous, forecasters say, with melting snow and wintery slush likely freezing overnight.

"Unlike the flurries and snow squalls that drifted across the area on Sunday and mainly melted on roads, lower temperatures in place for the storm in the Northeast will lead to slippery and snow-covered roads and sidewalks in many cases," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Benz said.

Snow totals

Municipalities around New Jersey that saw some of the greatest snow totals into Tuesday were Greentree (3.5 inches), South River (3.5 inches), Wall Township (3.4 inches), Columbus (3 inches), Mount Laurel (3 inches), Freehold (2.8 inches) and Ramtown (2.8 inches).

You can check your town’s snowfall total here.

The entire state is under a winter weather advisory through 1 p.m. Tuesday.

“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute,” the National Weather Service wrote in its advisory.

A flood warning remains in effect for the Passaic River affecting Passaic, Morris and Essex counties.

“Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas,” the agency wrote. “Turn around...don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Road closures & travel

Weather-related speed advisories are in place on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike until further notice, according to 511NJ.org. The foot walk on the Ben Franklin Bridge is closed. Several accidents have been reported, including a jack-knifed tractor trailer on I-80 in Allamuchy Township, an overturned tractor trailer on I-78 in Union Township and a crash on NJ 42 in Deptford Township.

“Expect roads, especially untreated and secondary roads, to be slick early this morning,” the National Weather Service Mount Holly station wrote Tuesday.

“Where precipitation ends, travel conditions should gradually improve, but temps will remain near or below freezing from I-95 NW through today, so remain cautious.”

Power outages

As of 9 a.m., JCP&L is reporting about 50 power outages across New Jersey. Another 85 were reported by PSE&G and 58 for Atlantic City Electric.

Wind gusts of up to 15 mph are expected through Tuesday night.

To report downed wires or power outages, JCP&L customers can call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). PSE&G customers can call 1-800-436-PSEG. Customers can also report outages by by logging into their PSE&G account online or by texting “OUT” to 4PSEG (47734).

Schools

The following school districts will be closed Tuesday:

• Princeton Public Schools
• South Brunswick Schools
• East Windsor Public Schools
• Edison Public Schools
• East Brunswick School District
• Jersey City Public Schools
• Lawrence Township Public Schools
• Millburn Public Schools
• School District of the Chathams
• Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools
• Washington Township Public Schools
• Morris School District
• Wayne Township Public Schools
• Montclair Public Schools

The following school districts will have a delayed opening Tuesday:

• Toms River Regional Schools
• Westfield Public Schools
• Livingston Public Schools
• Paramus Public Schools
• Teaneck Public Schools
• Fair Lawn Public Schools
• Ramapo-Indian Hills Regional High School District
• Wyckoff School District
• Mahwah Township Public Schools
• Ridgewood Public Schools

State offices will also be operating under a two-hour delayed start.

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.

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

North Jersey

Tuesday: Snow, mainly before 3 p.m. High near 28. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 11. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 22. Wind chill values as low as -1. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 15. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday: A slight chance of snow after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: A chance of snow, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 21. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Central Jersey

Tuesday: Snow before 10 a.m., then snow and freezing rain between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of snow after 2 p.m. High near 34. Northeast wind around 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 12. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 25. Wind chill values as low as zero. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 18. West wind around 10 mph.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of snow, mainly after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

South Jersey

Tuesday: Rain likely before 3 p.m., then a chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 41. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 11. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 29. Wind chill values as low as zero. West wind around 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. West wind around 10 mph.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. West wind around 10 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of snow after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 30%.