Heavy Snow Prompts Closures As Winter Storm Hits Gloucester Twp.

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A winter storm continues to push through Gloucester Township on Monday, prompting closures, highway restrictions and calls for drivers to stay off the roads.

Snowfall is expected to peak in the afternoon, with most of the accumulation coming before 3 p.m. Monday, according to forecasters. But the snow will continue into Monday night as temperatures fall below freezing.

The National Weather Service expects 2 to 4 inches of snow overall.

At least an inch of snow has fallen in the area, according to a measurement taken at 9 a.m. Monday — the National Weather Service's latest snowfall total as of this writing.

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for six South Jersey counties, including Camden, in effect until 10 p.m. Monday.

Despite snowfall tapering off, travel could still be "very difficult" in the evening, Murphy said.

"Drivers should stay off the roads if possible, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols," Murphy said.

Schools are closed Monday in the Gloucester Township and Black Horse Pike districts. The township's municipal office are closed, as well.

Township police advised residents to do the following:

• Remove all parked vehicles and/or trailers from the roadways, if possible, so Gloucester Township Public Works can plow the streets.
• Stay off the roadways while it's snowing and shortly after it stops so plows and salt trucks to clear the roadways.
• If you must drive, give yourself extra time to travel safely. Completely clear off all the snow from your vehicle, including the roof.
• If you live near a fire hydrant,remove the snow from the front, back and sides of it to allow the fire department to quickly locate them.

Portions of the New Jersey Turnpike have lower speed limits as of noon Monday as crews plow and salt the highway. Check 511NJ for roadway conditions.

Here's the National Weather Service's latest forecast for Gloucester Township:

• Monday afternoon: Snow. High near 30. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
• Monday night: Snow, mainly before midnight. Low around 18. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 31. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
• Tuesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.