New Jersey Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Season’s 1st Major Winter Storm

Key Highlights

  • New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency due to an incoming winter storm.
  • The storm is expected to bring heavy snow and icy conditions from Kansas into New England.
  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul advised residents in parts of upstate New York to prepare for the first major snowfall.
  • Over 6 inches of snow are possible north and west of I-95, with local areas expecting 2 to 5 inches across the Midwest.

New Jersey Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Major Winter Storm

As winter approaches in the northeastern United States, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has taken preemptive action by declaring a state of emergency. The move comes as meteorologists track an approaching winter storm that is expected to bring significant snow and icy conditions from Kansas into New England.

Impact on Transportation

The governor’s office announced that the Department of Transportation will be activating crews overnight to address the impending weather conditions, urging drivers to exercise caution on Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), much of New England and the Mid-Atlantic region “will experience enhanced winter precipitation and possible gusty winds, especially inland from the coast.” The first impactful winter storm of the season is expected to hit these areas, with potentially hazardous weather conditions including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

Preparations Across States

While New Jersey prepares for severe weather, neighboring states like Pennsylvania are also taking steps to ensure safety. In Allegheny County, officials are working on storm preparations to mitigate the impact of the approaching winter front. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York advised residents in parts of upstate New York to prepare for significant snowfall.

“State agencies stand ready to assist New Yorkers throughout the storm and our plow crews will be out keeping our roadways safe,” said Hochul in a statement. “We encourage everyone to be weather aware and closely monitor the forecast.”

Regional Weather Forecast

The NWS has issued multiple alerts for various regions, warning of significant snow accumulations across the interior. More than 6 inches of snow are possible north and west of the I-95 corridor, with a general 2 to 5 inches of snow expected across the Midwest on Monday night.

By Tuesday morning, heavy snow is anticipated to stretch from Pittsburgh to Cleveland up into western and upstate New York. The weather system will continue its journey through New England by Tuesday evening, where locally, 6 to 12 inches of snow are possible through early Wednesday morning.

In addition to the snow, the storm is expected to bring heavy rain through Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia and New York City, before moving off the coast late Tuesday night.

The new winter storm follows another system that brought significant snow to parts of the Midwest over the weekend, disrupting holiday travel.

For the latest updates on this developing weather situation, stay tuned to ABC News for comprehensive coverage. The storm is expected to continue impacting millions of Americans from Kansas into New England, emphasizing the need for preparedness and caution in affected areas.