Trenton, New Jersey – Drivers across New Jersey, Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania have less than a few hours before whiteout conditions begin shutting down major highways by late morning Sunday, with snowfall rates topping 2 inches per hour tonight and wind gusts reaching 60 mph along the coast.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, blizzard warnings stretch from central and northern New Jersey through Delaware and into the Philadelphia metro area until 6 p.m. Monday. Forecasters expect widespread totals of 16 to 25 inches in much of New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania, with 20 to 28 inches possible in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore could see 12 to 20 inches, while Sussex County and the beaches face gusts up to 55 mph.
Snow develops Sunday morning, turns heavy by afternoon and peaks overnight into early Monday. Visibility may drop below a quarter mile in blowing snow, especially along the Garden State Parkway, I-95, I-295 and the Atlantic City Expressway. NJDOT, DelDOT and PennDOT crews are preparing for near-impossible travel conditions during both Monday commutes.
Strong winds could down tree limbs and knock out power to scattered neighborhoods, particularly in coastal Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties. Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, charge devices and keep emergency kits in vehicles.
The storm tapers Monday afternoon, but drifting snow and icy roads will linger into Monday night. Blizzard warnings remain in effect until 6 p.m. Monday, and additional advisories may follow as crews assess impacts.
