Trenton, New Jersey – A more active winter pattern is expected to impact New Jersey as the New Year approaches, with increasing confidence in periods of snow, mixed precipitation, and travel disruptions from Dec 27 through Jan 9.
Regional pattern signals favor repeated storm systems tracking across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast during this period. According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, colder air is expected to push into the region at times, allowing some systems to produce snow across interior New Jersey. Areas north and west of I-95, including northwest New Jersey and portions of central counties near Trenton, currently show the strongest signal for accumulating snowfall.
Rather than one prolonged storm, precipitation is expected to arrive in multiple waves, increasing the likelihood of recurring travel impacts. Major corridors such as I-95, I-80, I-78, Route 1, and the New Jersey Turnpike could see slick roads and reduced visibility during snow or mixed precipitation, especially overnight and during early morning hours. Brief temperature drops behind passing systems may also lead to flash-freeze concerns where roads remain wet.
Coastal sections, including Atlantic City and Cape May, are more likely to see rain or mixed precipitation during milder system phases, though brief snow is still possible if colder air deepens. Gusty winds with stronger systems could lead to isolated power outages, particularly if wet snow accumulates on trees and power lines.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation urges motorists to allow extra travel time during the New Year holiday period and remain alert for rapidly changing road conditions. While quieter stretches are expected between systems, the overall setup supports a wintry and occasionally disruptive start to 2026 across Trenton and much of New Jersey.
