Snow started falling across New Jersey right on schedule early Sunday, with the heaviest snowfall along with a mix of sleet and freezing rain in some areas expected this afternoon.
The National Weather Service made some final adjustments to forecast maps in its final forecast briefing for the massive winter storm.
“Snowfall amounts were raised slightly, by about an inch or two,” the weather service said. “Impacts are unchanged as the combination of snow/sleet/freezing rain will bring major disruptions to the area today into tomorrow morning.”
The latest forecast breaks the state into three zones with north of I-80 expected to get 12 to 18 inches of snow, a wide area south of I-80 with 8 to 12 inches and the southeastern counties of Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland with 6 to 8 inches.
AccuWeather’s forecast map offers a similar breakdown with widespread 6 to 12 inches of snow expected and lower amounts of 3 to 6 inches in southeastern counties.
Ice will be a major complicating factor in the areas that receive lower snowfall totals, the weather service said.
“There remains a threat for notable ice accumulations ranging from 0.1” to 0.25” across the I-95 corridor, southern New Jersey,” the weather service said. “The combination of heavy snow and sleet followed by freezing rain and breezy northeast winds gusting 20-30 mph could result in some isolated instances of downed trees and power lines, and power outages.”
The transition to a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain is expected to start this afternoon and evening.
The wintry mix could move as far north as the I-78 corridor due to warmer air in the upper atmosphere.
Closer to the Jersey Shore, some areas may briefly see temperatures rise above freezing, resulting in rain rather than snow or ice.
Snowfall rates near 1 to 2 inches per hour are expected during the day as well.
Winds will increase Sunday, with gusts up to 30 to 35 mph possible, which could create blowing and drifting snow.
“Heavy snow and sleet as well as some ice accumulation will make travel dangerous or impossible,” the weather service said. “Expect widespread road closures and significant delays on major interstates and highways.”
Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties ahead of the storm and urged residents to stay home.
A commercial vehicle travel ban and speed restrictions are in place for major highways to give road crews room to work.
NJ Transit suspended buses and light rail early Sunday and train service will be shut down after 2 p.m.
Winter storm warnings remain in effect for all New Jersey counties through 1 p.m. Monday.
Precipitation is expected to taper off Sunday evening, with some light snow possible again Sunday night into early Monday morning before conditions improve.
School schedules for Monday are likely to be affected as crews work to clear roads and sidewalks.
Dangerously cold temperatures
Brutally cold temperatures with below zero wind chills are expected through this week.
“A prolonged period of well below normal temperatures is expected to continue after the storm and through next weekend,” the weather service said.
High temperatures Monday through Wednesday will struggle to rise above 20 degrees, with lows in the single digits.
“Dangerously cold wind chills between -10 and 0 are expected to return, leading to an increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite,” the weather service said.
While the week is expected to remain dry, the bitter cold temperatures will mean the new snow won’t be melting anytime soon.
There’s a slight chance of more snow on Thursday.
Current weather radar
