Philadelphia, Pa. – A powerful nor’easter continues to hammer New Jersey, Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania early Monday, producing blizzard conditions, extremely heavy snowfall and damaging wind gusts.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Blizzard Warning for much of New Jersey, southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware and parts of Maryland through 6 p.m. Monday. Snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are ongoing, with additional accumulations ranging from 2 inches in parts of the Poconos to as much as 14 inches in coastal New Jersey.
Winds are gusting between 45 and 60 mph, especially along the Jersey Shore from Atlantic City to Cape May and across Ocean and Monmouth counties. These winds are creating widespread blowing and drifting snow with near-zero visibility at times.
Major highways including I-95 in Philadelphia, the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Atlantic City Expressway, I-295, and portions of the Pennsylvania Turnpike are experiencing snow-covered lanes and dangerous whiteout conditions. Shore communities and open rural areas face the highest risk for severe drifting.
The heavy, wet snow is clinging to trees and power lines, increasing the threat of scattered power outages and tree damage across the region. Record-breaking snowfall totals are possible in some locations.
Officials strongly urge residents to avoid travel except for emergencies. If you must travel, carry a winter survival kit and remain with your vehicle if stranded. Road conditions are available by calling 511 in your state.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Monday evening as snowfall tapers and winds slowly diminish, but dangerous travel conditions will persist through much of the day.
