NJ winter storm prompts Sherrill warning, utility prep

The basics:

• Winter storm could bring 6 to 18 inches of snow and ice statewide
• Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged residents to stay home and off roads
• State of emergency announcement expected as storm nears
• Utilities mobilizing crews for power outages and severe cold

The Garden State is gearing up for a severe winter weather storm expected to hit over the weekend.

Forecasters expect the storm to drop from 6 to 18 inches of snow and ice around the state, with sleet and freezing rain also in the forecast for certain areas. The winter weather is expected to begin Saturday evening and extend into Monday morning. The National Weather Service says lower snowfall amounts will occur farther south and closer to the coast – where more of a wintry mix is likely – with higher amounts further north.

The system will also bring dangerously cold temperatures, which are expected to remain into next week. More than half of the nation is expected to be affected by the storm.

At the ready

The storm will also pose an early test for newly sworn-in Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who says her administration is ready and prepared.

“As you may know, we are anticipating some severe weather coming Saturday night,” Sherrill said in a Jan. 22 video posted on social media. “We could see up to six to 12 inches of snow here in New Jersey across the state. So, make a plan to stay home. Make a plan to catch up on your reading, watch the football, play some board games with your kids.

“But this is a good weekend to stay in and off the roads. We will see this severe weather coming in Saturday night at its heaviest – throughout Sunday. And then we might even see some ice and sleet in certain areas.”

Sherrill said her administration has been meeting with emergency managers since before she took office Jan. 20.

New Jersey – a snowstorm is on the way.

Stay safe, stay home, and stay warm! pic.twitter.com/FpwXKFMgbi

— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) January 23, 2026

“We, on the Inauguration Day, were fielding phone calls to make sure we were up to speed on the forecast here,” said Sherrill. “I’ve been reaching out to counties and municipalities. We are prepared here in New Jersey. But what we need you to do is be prepared as well – prepared to stay home and make a plan to stay off the roads.”

Stay tuned

Sherrill will make an announcement regarding the storm at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 23 – with a state of emergency declaration likely – and give an update on preparations.

Meanwhile, utilities throughout the Garden State are making their own preparations.

“We are keeping a close eye on the weather reports and are well prepared to respond to any impacts from the expected storms,” said John Latka, senior vice president, electric transmission & distribution, PSE&G. “Our crews are ready 24-7 to restore power outages and handle increased requests to repair heating systems for our customers.”

“We are staffing up for the weekend in case any outages do occur and making sure we have the support we need in terms of snow clearing and removal so we have access to all of our facilities including substations,” a spokesperson for JCP&L (First Energy) told NJBIZ. “Lighter, fluffier snow generally is less impactful to the grid as it doesn’t stick to tree branches or power lines. Where we see wetter snow or icing, that can increase the risk of impacts as the added weight increases the likelihood of tree-related damage.

“Safety is our top priority. As we move through this event and with the extended cold weather forecasted, we just ask customers to keep it their top priority, as well. Road conditions will be treacherous, so car-pole accidents are a risk if you are out during this storm. Use extreme caution if you have to be out.”

More staff on deck

“Atlantic City Electric is mobilizing for this winter storm and has proactively increased staffing to ensure crews are available to respond to any power outages as quickly and safely as possible,” Atlantic City Electric said. “Of particular concern is the potential for a significant accumulation of snow, followed by sleet or freezing rain, which can have a severe impact on trees and power lines.

“Downed trees, limbs and other debris cause approximately half of all power outages during storms. Our preparations are focused on keeping customers safe and restoring service promptly if the weather causes damage.”

New Jersey American Water also outlined what its team was doing to prepare, including testing and fueling generators, vehicles and fuel storage tanks; securing additional water treatment chemicals; preparing wastewater treatment plants for increased flows; and updating staffing plans to help with response efforts.

The Camden-based utility company pointed residents to its website for more tips to prepare their homes for cold weather.

Transportation prep

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said it activated its package of storm preparedness protocols and is coordinating closely with airlines and terminal operators. Airport staff, snow removal equipment and centralized emergency operations centers are in place to support coordinated real-time operations across its airports, including Newark Liberty International.

That includes a process in place to recommend flight cancellations – decisions made at least 24 hours before any storm to ensure long-haul flights have not already taken off. The agency noted these coordination efforts are aimed at reducing the risk of passengers being stranded, while also managing airfield congestion during snow removal operations.

“Our priority during winter storms is straightforward – keeping passengers safe, informed, and moving while restoring normal operations as quickly as conditions allow,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Since 2018, we’ve made significant, sustained improvements in how our airports prepare for and respond to severe weather, working in close coordination with airlines, terminal operators, and our regional partners.”

“The Port Authority has invested heavily in preparedness, coordination, and accountability across our airport network,” added Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “These measures reflect our commitment to learning from past storms and delivering a better experience for travelers even in the most challenging weather conditions.”

Best bet: Stay home

NJ Transit urges customers to travel only if absolutely necessary during the severe weather. The agency added that, as forecast confidence increases through early Saturday, it may implement additional service adjustments, including temporary service suspensions on one or more transportation modes on Sunday and Monday.

“With the winter storm approaching, we are keeping safety as our top priority,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri. “That’s why we are working diligently to prepare the transit system to maintain operations for as long as conditions safely allow, but customers should also prepare for potential service disruptions.

“Everyone should stay informed about service updates, stay aware of their surroundings and travel only if necessary during severe weather conditions.”

Staying connected

Optimum, a fiber internet, mobile and television service provider, said it’s working collaboratively with local, state and national authorities to monitor the storm’s forecasted path – and is taking steps to proactively minimize the potential impact for its customers and communities.

“At Optimum, we understand that staying connected to friends, family, and neighbors is critical – especially during severe weather events,” said Sean O’Connell, senior vice president, regional general manager, Optimum. “We encourage all our customers to take proactive steps by charging devices, conserving battery power, and signing up for service alerts.

“In the event of impact to Optimum’s network, our teams will respond as safely and quickly as possible to restore service and support our communities.”

Stay with NJBIZ for the very latest on the storm and its impact here in New Jersey.