Heavy snow in NJ, residents urged to stay home

NEW JERSEY (WABC) – New Jersey is being hit by a major storm that can drop well over a foot of snow in many areas when it ends, creating snow-like conditions and causing travel problems in the coming days.

Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency. State offices are closed on Monday.

Murphy also announced that all NJ TRANSIT buses, trains (except Atlantic City Rail Line), light trains and access link services are temporarily suspended throughout the system for the entire day of service.

In addition, all six COVID-19 vaccine mega-sites will be closed on Monday. All appointments will be rescheduled within one week. The Vaccine Call Center will remain open to reschedule current appointments for first and second doses: 855-568-0545

Department of Transportation Commissioner (NJDOT), Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, issued a travel restriction for commercial vehicles on several interstate highways in New Jersey, based on the forecast of heavy snow and strong winds.

Travel restrictions are being coordinated with neighboring states.

In addition to commercial restrictions, all drivers are strongly encouraged to stay off the road.

There are spinouts and accidents on the main highways.

Although plows and salt spreaders have started to function, the roads are still tricky and will only get worse.

“Cooperate with us. Stay off the road. Stay at home. There’s no need to leave. If you need to leave, call us and we’ll try to help you if we can,” said the Essex County Sheriff. “We are preparing for the worst, not even hopeful for the best. Preparing for the worst” “

The commercial vehicle travel restriction that started at noon on Sunday will be in effect during the storm on the following highways in both directions:
I-76, from the Walt Whitman Bridge (border with Pennsylvania) to NJ Route 42
I-78, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
I-80, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
I-195, from I-295 to NJ Route 138
I-280, I-80 to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
I-287, from NJ Route 440 to the New York state border
I-295, from Delaware Memorial Bridge to Scudders Falls Bridge (border with Pennsylvania)
I-676, from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Pennsylvania border) to I-76
NJ Route 440, from Outerbridge Crossing to I-287
Commercial vehicle travel restrictions apply to:
All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)
Direct CDL weight empty trucks
Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
Recreational vehicles

Motorcycles
This restriction does NOT apply to:
New Jersey Turnpike
The Garden State Parkway
The Atlantic City Expressway
Public security vehicles, civil and sworn public security personnel; as well as other personnel directly supporting health facilities or critical infrastructure, such as fuel or food supplies. For a complete list of operations or personnel exempt from travel restrictions, please consult the Administrative Order.

Trucks that are already in New Jersey when travel restrictions are applied are encouraged to stop at truck stops to wait for the storm to pass – DO NOT PARK AT THE SHOULDERS.

If you see teams on the roads, please stay behind and don’t overtake them. They are clearing the roads for your safety. If you have to drive, NJDOT advises drivers to:
Leave early and reserve more time
Make sure your vehicle is fully fueled
BELOW and obey the published speed limits
Leave a safe distance between vehicles
Be careful on bridges and ramps
ALWAYS KEEP CLEAN from plowing and spreading trucks If they’re after you, let them pass
DO NOT pass between trucks that are in a plow formation
If you are driving and road conditions get worse, PULL somewhere safe and wait
Be patient and be careful
Keep an emergency kit in the car with a cell phone charger, water, snacks and other items. See the NJ Office of Emergency Managements website for more information.

Drivers are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.

ADDITIONAL WINTER STORM COVERAGE
Current winter storm forecast
Live updates from the Snow Stream winter storm
New York CIty declares state of emergency

Mass transit and travel information
Check the AccuTrack radar
School closings and delays

For weather updates wherever you go, download the AccuWeather app.

SEND YOUR SNOW PHOTOS HERE:

RESOURCES:

New Jersey State Information

Bergen Co resources

Essex Co resources

Hudson Co Emergency Preparedness
Hunterdon Co Emergency Preparedness

Middlesex County Main Website

Monmouth Co Emergency Preparedness

Ocean Co Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness Passaic Co

Somerset Co Emergency Preparedness

Sussex County

Union Co Emergency Preparedness

Warren County
For weather updates wherever you go, download the AccuWeather app.