Weather
New Jersey Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Power Outage Risks
Trenton, NJ – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across New Jersey. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, Octob
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-27T07:46:22.026Z
Trenton, NJ – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across New Jersey. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams pose two serious threats during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Accumulating ice can make travel hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and disrupt electrical service across communities.
How Much Ice Can Cause Serious Problems? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks dangerously slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread power outages.
Drivers traveling Interstate 80, Interstate 78, Interstate 287 and Interstate 95, including the New Jersey Turnpike, should exercise caution when freezing rain is forecast, particularly across northern and northwestern New Jersey.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Another dangerous winter threat develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing water levels to rise rapidly upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase flooding risks, especially when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the Delaware, Raritan, Passaic and Musconetcong rivers should monitor conditions during winter warmups, particularly where river ice can accumulate.
How New Jersey Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several important precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for possible extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official weather alerts and river conditions through the NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly office and NWS New York office , which serve different portions of New Jersey.
Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing the importance of preparing before ice storms and winter flooding threaten communities statewide.