Snow totals for the Jan. 19, 2024 winter storm. (Source: NWS)
A winter storm warning has been issued for some mainland communities in Ocean County, while the barrier islands and areas closest to the Atlantic Ocean are under a separate winter weather advisory. The proximity to the warmth of the ocean waters is likely to affect snow totals within short distances, spanning expectations of 1-3 inches in some areas and 4-6 inches in others.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning until 11 p.m. Friday for nearly all of Ocean County, especially inland areas, and a winter weather advisory for “coastal Ocean County,” including Lavallette, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach and other island communities.
Our latest snowfall forecast. pic.twitter.com/t2PAc9o7IE
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 19, 2024
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For areas in the warning zone, forecasters are calling for total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches with heavy snow expected at times. The snow was forecast to start mainly after 7 a.m. Friday’s high temperature will reach 33 degrees before plumetitng later at night.
“Temperatures will rapidly drop into the teens late Friday night,” the warning statement said. “Any untreated roads will become icy and dangerous. Areas of blowing snow are possible over the weekend.”
Saturday’s high will reach just 26 degrees before dropping to 14 degrees overnight, making icing problems even worse. Blowing snow will also be an issue, with wind gusts topping 35 m.p.h.
For the “winter weather advisory” zone, the advisory is likewise in effect until 10 p.m. Friday night.
“Some rain may mix in this morning,” the advisory said, adding that snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches were expected.
Close to the coast, the National Weather Service forecasts snow before 12 noon Friday, then snow mixed with rain between noon and 3 p.m., changing back to snow after 3 p.m. For areas just slightly inland by a few miles, the NWS forecast does not predict a change-over to rain, with a band of heavier snow producing up to 7 inches roughly across the I-195 corridor between Burlington and northern Ocean counties, as well as southern Monmouth County.
Likewise, temperatures will dip into the teens overnight Saturday and Sunday, with blowing snow possible with wind gusts up to 35 m.p.h.
