Snowfall Continues In Gloucester Twp., With Icy Roads In Forecast

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Forecasts of heavy snowfall in Gloucester Township materialized on Friday, with temperatures set to drop and potentially ice up the roadways into the evening.

Much of South Jersey ranged from 3-5 inches of snowfall as of late Friday afternoon, with Gibbstown clocking a regional high of 5.5 inches. Blackwood had 2.5 inches of snow as of 1:10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service (NWS). But snow continued to fall in the afternoon hours thereafter.

Forecasters entered Friday expecting 4-6 inches of snow through the evening, with up to 8 inches possible.

Residents should stay home Friday as crews treat roadways, according to Camden County officials.

"Our crews will be working throughout the day and into the evening to make sure that our roads are safe for residents," said County Commissioner Al Dyer. "We are clearing snow and treating roads to avoid any dangerous buildup of snow or ice. We are recommending that residents stay home and off the roads due to potentially slick conditions but if you must travel, just do so carefully."

A winter storm warning for Gloucester Township and much of South Jersey remains in effect through 10 p.m. Friday. Even as snowfall tapers off, temperatures will "rapidly" drop into the teens late Friday night, the NWS said. Any untreated roads will become icy and dangerous, the agency warned.

There's a chance of more snow Friday night, when another inch could accumulate, the NWS said. Saturday has a clearer forecast, but the wind could blow snow around.

Track weather watches, warnings and advisories here.

Gloucester Township police responded to "a few minor vehicle crashes" as of Friday afternoon, the agency said.

The NJ Department of Transportation banned commercial vehicles from many interstate highways. The mandate, which went into effect at 3 a.m. Friday, includes all of Interstates 76 and 676. Read more: NJ Issues Commercial Vehicle Restrictions On Various State Highways

Dozens of school districts in Camden County, including Gloucester Township and Black Horse Pike, canceled Friday classes and activities.

Police reminded the public to clear all ice and snow from vehicles before driving — especially from the hood, windows and roof. Failure to do so could result in fines of $25 to $75. Falling snow or ice that causes injury or property damage is punishable by fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense.

Here's the NWS's latest forecast for Camden County:

• Friday night: Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow this evening. Snow accumulation around an inch possible. Colder with lows around 15. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 50 percent.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny. Areas of blowing snow. Cold with highs in the lower 20s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
• Saturday night: Mostly cloudy in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. Areas of blowing snow in the evening. Cold with lows around 17. Northwest winds around 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
• Sunday: Sunny, cold with highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
• Sunday night: Mostly clear. Cold with lows around 14. West winds 5 to 10 mph.