Credit: National Weather Service (Click to Expand)
The National Weather Service has predicted between 24-36 inches of snow falling in Ocean County in the forthcoming snowstorm, according to a briefing package on the storm issued by the agency’s Mount Holly office.
Northern Ocean County could receive 24-36 inches of snow while central and southern Ocean County could receive 18-24 inches of snow in the storm.
The blizzard watch that was previously in effect for the Shore area has been upgraded to a blizzard warning, meaning the storm could impact the area within 12 to 36 hours. The latest report by the weather service was issued just before 5 p.m. Sunday.
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“There has been a significant increase in forecast snow amounts from yesterday’s forecast,” the National Weather Service said in its briefing package. “The combination of windy conditions (wind gusts up to 50 mph) and the snow will result in blizzard conditions.”
Coastal winds will gust to 50 m.p.h. in coastal locations, the statement said, while the blizzard warning will last through midday Tuesday. Moderate tidal flooding is also expected during the storm, which will begin as a small “clipper” system overnight between Sunday and Monday and regenerate as a strong nor’easter offshore during the day on Monday. The bulk of the snow will begin Monday in the late afternoon to evening hours and strengthen overnight between Monday and Tuesday.
“Travel will be very difficult and potentially dangerous Monday night and Tuesday, particularly the further northeast you go,” the statement from the National Weather Service said. “Blowing and drifting of snow will be possible as well. The strongest winds will be along the Jersey coast. Power outages could occur with this storm.”
The storm will be especially powerful in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties in New Jersey, the statement said.
