A blizzard warning has been issued for Ocean County, with forecasters predicting an incoming coastal storm will bring 12 to 18 inches of snow to the region – with totals varying between towns – and wind gusting in upwards of 50 m.p.h.
The blizzard warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday.
“Snow is expected to begin on Friday evening, with snow becoming heavy after midnight,” the National Weather Service said in a statement. “The most likely time for blizzard conditions is late Friday night through midday Saturday. Blizzard conditions are primarily expected at or within a few miles from the coast.”
|
We're working on an update to the briefing and will be sending it out soon, but in the mean time, here is the definition of a blizzard. A blizzard warning has been issued for Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May Counties in NJ and coastal Sussex County DE. #NJWX #DEWX pic.twitter.com/wwMjdtNo0E
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 28, 2022
The snow will wind down over the afternoon hours Saturday, the NWS statement said.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” during the warning period, it continued. “Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.”
The latest forecast indicates 5-7 inches of snow falling Friday night and 5-9 additional inches falling Saturday. Wind and localized areas of heavy precipitation will drive totals.
This is just model guidance, not an official forecast. But it is rather spectacular model guidance. https://t.co/d6fFEbmIma
— Gary Szatkowski (@GarySzatkowski) January 28, 2022
Final Call Impact Map For Tonight Through Tomorrow. This is a blizzard for the coast. Get prepared. pic.twitter.com/loKWtZz4xa
— NY NJ PA Weather (@nynjpaweather) January 28, 2022
Sustained winds will hover around 20-25 m.p.h. with gusts to 40-50 m.p.h. – higher as one approaches the ocean. Offshore, winds will reach about 55 m.p.h. and seas will run 7-10 feet.