Heavy snow in NJ urged residents to stay home

NEW JERSEY (WABC) – New Jersey is hit by a whopper storm that could dump over 12 inches of snow in many areas by the time it passes, creating blizzard-like conditions and causing travel problems for the days ahead .

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

Murphy also announced that all NJ TRANSIT buses, rail (except Atlantic City Rail Line), light rail, and Access Link service will be temporarily interrupted throughout the entire service day as well.

In addition, all six COVID-19 vaccine mega sites are closed on Mondays. All appointments are rescheduled within a week. The Vaccine Call Center remains open to reschedule current appointments for the first and second dose: 855-568-0545

Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Commissioner of the Department of Transportation (NJDOT), has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey based on heavy snow and high wind forecasts.

Travel restrictions are coordinated with neighboring countries.

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

There are spin-outs and crashes on major highways.

Even though plows and salt spreaders are at work, the roads are still treacherous and will only get worse.

‘Work with us. Stay off the road. Stay at home. You don’t have to come out. If you need to go out, give us a call, we’ll try to help you if we can, ”the Essex County Sheriff said. ‘We prepare for the worst, not even hopeful for the best. We’re preparing for the worst. ‘

The commercial vehicle travel restriction that started at noon on Sundays applies for the duration of the storm on the following highways in both directions:
I-76, from the Walt Whitman Bridge (Pennsylvania border) 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, from I-80 to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
I-287, from NJ Route 440 to the New York State border
I-295, from the Delaware Memorial Bridge to the Scudders Falls Bridge (Pennsylvania border)
I-676, from Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Pennsylvania border) to I-76
NJ Route 440, from Outerbridge Crossing to I-287
The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:
All tractor-trailers (exceptions as stated in the Administrative Order)
Empty straight trucks with CDL weight
Passenger cars towing trailers
Recreational vehicles

Motorcycles
This restriction does NOT apply to:
The New Jersey Turnpike
The Garden State Parkway
The Atlantic City Expressway
Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel; as well as other personnel directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure, such as providing fuel or food. For a full list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel ban, see the Board Decree.

Trucks already in New Jersey when travel restrictions take effect are encouraged to drive into truck stops to wait for the storm – DO NOT PARK ON SHOULDERS.

If you see crews on the roads, please stay behind and don’t pass them. They clear the roads for your safety. If you must drive, NJDOT advises drivers to:
Leave early and allow extra time
Make sure your car is fully fueled
SLOW DOWN and obey the posted speed limits
Ensure a safe following distance between vehicles
Be careful on bridges and ramps
Always KEEP AWAY from plowing and scattering trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass
DO NOT drive between trucks in a squad formation
If you are driving and road conditions deteriorate, PULL where you are safe and wait
Be patient and be careful
Keep an emergency kit in your car with a charger for cell phones, water, snacks and other items. For more information, see the NJ Office of Emergency Managements website.

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

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE IN THE WINTER STORM
Current weather forecast for winter
Snow flow live winter storm updates
New York City declares a state of emergency

Public transport and travel information
Check AccuTrack Radar
School closures and delays

Download the AccuWeather app for weather updates wherever you are.

SEND YOUR SNOW PHOTOS HERE:

RESOURCES:

Info about the state of New Jersey

Bergen Co-sources

Essex Co-sources

Hudson Co-emergency preparedness
Hunterdon Co-emergency preparedness

Main site of Middlesex County

Monmouth Co Emergency Preparedness

Ocean Co Emergency Preparedness

Passaic Co Emergency Preparedness

Somerset Co Emergency Preparedness

Sussex County

Union Co Emergency Preparedness

Warren County
Download the AccuWeather app for weather updates wherever you are.