Heavy snow in NJ, residents asked to stay home

NEW JERSEY (WABC) – New Jersey is hit by a storm that could well throw over a foot of snow in many areas until it ends, creating blizzard conditions and causing travel problems for the next few days.

Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency. State offices are closed for months.

Murphy also announced that all NJ TRANSIT buses, rail (except Atlantic City Rail), tram and Access Link service are temporarily suspended at system level and for the entire day of service.

In addition, all six mega-sites with COVID-19 vaccine will be closed on Monday. All appointments will be rescheduled during the week. The Vaccine Call Center will remain open for rescheduling current appointments for the first and second doses: 855-568-0545

Department of Transportation Commissioner (NJDOT) Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has issued a restriction on the movement of commercial vehicles on several interstate highways in New Jersey, based on the forecast for heavy snow and strong wind.

Travel restrictions are coordinated with neighboring states.

In addition to trade restrictions, all drivers are encouraged to stay off-road.

There are leaks and accidents on major highways.

Even though plows and salt spreading have started to work, the roads are still treacherous and will get worse.

“Cooperate with us. Stay away from the roads. Stay home. You don’t have to go out. If you have to go out, call us, we will try to help you if we can,” said the Essex County Sheriff. “We are preparing for the worst, not even hope for the best. We are preparing for the worst.”

The restriction on commercial vehicles that started on Sunday at noon will be in force throughout the storm on the following motorways in both directions:
I-76, from 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 Delaware Memorial Bridge to 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 restriction on the movement of commercial vehicles applies:
All tractors (except those listed in the administrative order)
CDL weighted empty trucks
Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
Recreational vehicles

Motorcycles
This restriction does NOT apply to:
New Jersey Highway
Garden State Parkway
Atlantic City Highway
Public safety vehicles, public safety oaths and civilian personnel; as well as other employees who directly support medical facilities or critical infrastructure, such as the supply of fuel or food. For a complete list of operations or personnel who are exempt from the travel ban, see the Administrative Order.

Trucks that are already in New Jersey when travel restrictions take effect are encouraged to stop at truck stations to wait for the storm – DO NOT PARK ON THE SHOULDERS.

If you see crews on the roads, please sit back and do not pass them. They clear the roads for your safety. If you need to drive, NJDOT advises drivers to:
Leave early and give yourself extra time
Make sure your vehicle is fully powered
SLOW DOWN and observe the displayed speed limits
Leave a safe distance between vehicles
Watch out for bridges and ramps
ALWAYS REMAIN CLEAR to plow and scatter trucks. If they’re behind you, let them pass
DO NOT switch between trucks that are in plow formation
If you drive and road conditions deteriorate, PLEASE RETURN it somewhere safe and wait for it
Be patient and careful
Keep an emergency kit in the car with a cell phone charger, water, snacks and other items. For more information, see the NJ Office of Emergency Managements website.

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

ADDITIONAL COVER FOR WINTER WEATHER
Current winter storm forecast
Snow Stream live winter storm updates
New York City declares a state of emergency

Mass and travel information
Check the AccuTrack Radar
School closures and delays

For weather updates wherever you go, please download the AccuWeather app.

SEND SNOW PHOTOS HERE:

RESOURCES:

Information about the state of New Jersey

Bergen Resources Co.

Essex Resources Co

Hudson Co
Emergency Preparedness Hunterdon Co

The main site of Middlesex County

Emergency Preparedness Monmouth Co

Emergency Preparedness Ocean Co

Passaic Co

Somerset Co

Sussex County

Union Co

Warren County
For weather updates wherever you go, please download the AccuWeather app.