Freehold, New Jersey – Travel along the Jersey Shore could become impossible by late morning as a blizzard hammers Monmouth, Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties with up to 28 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 60 mph through 6 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. Snow will intensify this afternoon, with the most severe conditions developing tonight. Forecasters say snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour, while powerful winds create whiteout conditions and extreme drifting.
Major coastal routes including Route 35, Route 36, Route 72 to Long Beach Island and the Garden State Parkway may see rapid accumulation and blowing snow, especially on bridges and exposed stretches near Sandy Hook and along Barnegat Bay. Conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly before the Monday morning commute and remain hazardous into the evening.
Wind gusts up to 60 mph could topple tree limbs and cause scattered power outages across Jackson, Freehold and Wharton State Forest. Residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel, secure loose outdoor items and prepare for possible extended outages. Keep phones charged and have flashlights ready.
Snow will taper gradually during the day Monday, but strong winds will continue to reduce visibility and drift snow into roadways. Additional advisories may follow as the storm pulls away late Monday.
