Newark, NJ – Major highways across northeast New Jersey could become impassable by 1 p.m. Sunday as up to 18 inches of snow and 50 mph wind gusts trigger whiteout conditions through 6 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in New York, a Blizzard Warning is in effect for Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, Essex and Union counties beginning Sunday afternoon. Snow totals will range from 12 to 18 inches, with the highest amounts closer to the New York City metro. Winds will gust as high as 50 mph, especially Sunday evening into Monday afternoon.
Visibility may fall below one-quarter mile during the height of the storm, creating near-zero visibility on major roadways including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 80 and Route 46. Blowing snow will quickly cover treated surfaces, making travel very difficult to impossible at times.
Heavy snow combined with strong winds may snap tree limbs and bring down power lines, raising the threat of scattered outages across densely populated communities such as Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and Elizabeth.
State transportation officials urge residents to restrict travel to emergencies only beginning Sunday afternoon. If travel is unavoidable, carry blankets, food, water and a charged phone. The storm is expected to severely impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Blizzard conditions will persist until 6 p.m. Monday, and additional alerts may be issued as the storm intensifies.
