Forecasters were predicting the Shore would receive between 2-4 inches of snow during a winter storm Wednesday, with periods of heavy snow eventually mixing with sleet and rain – making for what will undoubtedly be a tough evening commute.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced late Tuesday night that all 21 counties in New Jersey would be under a state of emergency beginning at 5 a.m. Wednesday. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly issued a Winter Weather Advisory, calling for 2-4 inches of snow and a “light glaze” of ice.
According to the NWS forecast, snow will likely begin falling around 8 a.m. and last through 4 p.m., before changing to a mix of snow and sleet. The daytime high will be near 34 degrees. Winds will be light. The precipitation will give way to all rain around 7 p.m., with the temperature rising overnight to about 42 degrees. The system will move out of the area by daybreak Thursday, though some showers could linger.
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“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the winter weather advisory statement said. “The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.”
“As a winter storm is expected to impact our State, we are urging residents of New Jersey to drive with caution and use their best judgment during this time,” Murphy said in a statement. “We are actively monitoring the storm and are prepared to deploy any resources available to ensure the safety of the roads.”
To prepare for the winter storm, the New Jersey State Police will activate the State Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 5 a.m. in order to monitor the storm. The New Jersey Department of Transportation will also deploy more than 2,500 plows and spreaders to treat roads.