Hours before a major winter storm is expected to hit New Jersey, meteorologists lowered their forecasts How much snow can cover parts of the state Wednesday. But some areas could still be affected.
Some parts of northern New Jersey that were expected to reach 18 to 24 inches in height are now expected to receive 8 to 12 inches of snow, according to a storm briefing from the National Weather Service released at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The nearby, northern and western areas of I-95 will see the heaviest snowfall, according to projections. Meteorologists said those parts of the state can see between 12 and 18 inches of snow.
Snowfall rates can reach 1 to 2 inches per hour for some time from late Wednesday to Wednesday night, resulting in a significant reduction in visibility and the disabling effects of travel in places. Weather service briefing He said.
This chart shows the main risks posed by the snowstorm on Wednesday and the expected timing.National Weather Service
Meanwhile, South Jersey could see little to no snow accumulation. Meteorologists say the center of the storm is likely to get closer to the Jersey Shore than they previously expected, so more warm air will be pushed out from the ocean. This will bring more rain than snow to most of southern New Jersey and coastal areas.
However, the area is expected to experience snow and strong winds. Meteorologists say a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is possible – especially between Highway 78 and I-95/295 – which increases the risk of slippery roads.
Central Jersey can see snowfall around 4-5 PM and around 6-7 PM North.
“When you head toward New Brunswick, we look at the start time between 2 pm and 5 pm, and then, if you head toward the (state) New York border, it might start an hour or two later, so it’s generally mid-to late Afternoon for much of the state, “Shawn Rowland, who WeatherWorks, A private forecast company based in Warren County, told NJ Advance Media Tuesday morning. South Jersey can experience wintry weather starting around 11 am
The National Weather Service says moderate flooding is possible on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.National Weather Service
The state Transportation Department on Wednesday issued a “Winter Weather Congestion Alert” based on the impending storm and urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.
“In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently remove snow, motorists are encouraged to clear roads so that we can clean the roads,” the department said in a statement.
Forecasts also call for some floods and winds. Coastal areas can witness storms of up to 45 to 60 miles per hour.
This could lead to a power outage. Indoors, storms can reach 30 to 40 mph, exacerbating visibility restrictions in the snow.
Meteorologists said moderate coastal flooding is also likely on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning during high tides along the Atlantic Ocean and lower Delaware Bay.
This graphic shows the biggest dangers posed by Wednesday’s snowstorm.National Weather Service
Storm warnings
As of late Tuesday night, the National Weather Service issued the following warnings:
- A winter storm warning goes into effect on Wednesday noon in Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Warren and West Monmouth. It will be active until 10 AM on Thursday.
- A winter storm warning will be in effect in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Basaique, and Union from 2 PM Wednesday through 1 PM Thursday.
- The high wind warning will be in effect in the Atlantic coastal provinces and Cape May from 4 pm Wednesday to 2 am Thursday, with winds of up to 60 mph.
- The high wind warning will be in effect in eastern Monmouth County and coastal sections of Ocean County from 6 PM Wednesday through 9 AM Thursday, with a potential of 60 mph.
- The wind alert will be in effect in the Atlantic, Cumberland and Southeast Burlington from 4 PM Wednesday to 2 AM Thursday, with gusts of up to 55 mph.
- A coastal flood warning will be in effect in Atlantic and Burlington counties, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean County at various times late Wednesday and early Thursday.
We thank you for counting on us to provide you the press you can trust. Please consider support NJ.com With a subscription.
The authors of the NJ Advance Media team contributed to Jeff Goldman, Katie Koch and Lynne Millesurgo.
Noah Cohen It can be accessed at [email protected].
