Trenton, New Jersey – New Jersey is emerging as a higher-confidence zone for winter weather impacts this weekend as a strengthening coastal storm pushes north along the East Coast. Current signals suggest a growing chance of snow and hazardous travel from Saturday into Sunday, with probabilities now climbing higher than areas to the north.
According to the National Weather Service, parts of New Jersey are now showing up to a 30% chance of at least minor winter weather impacts during the Saturday-to-Sunday timeframe. This places the state closer to the core of the developing storm, increasing the likelihood of accumulating snow and slippery road conditions.
Statewide, travel impacts are the primary concern. Major corridors including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, I-78, I-80, and I-287 could become slick late Saturday night into early Sunday, especially on bridges, ramps, and untreated surfaces. Snowfall rates do not need to be heavy to cause problems, particularly if temperatures hover near freezing.
Emergency management officials advise residents to prepare for changing conditions by limiting non-essential travel, checking road conditions before heading out, and ensuring vehicles are equipped for winter driving. Transit delays are also possible if snowfall coincides with peak travel periods.
The threat level could continue to rise if the storm tracks slightly farther west or intensifies more rapidly. Forecasters expect clearer details as the weekend approaches, with additional advisories or alerts possible through Sunday, Feb. 1.
