UPDATE: Black ice, freezing temps in forecast Saturday. Up to 50 mph winds follow next storm Sunday.
A dangerous coating of ice has emerged as the major concern for most of New Jersey from a winter storm Friday night as forecasters made a mid-storm cut to expected snowfall totals.
“We are now starting to get anxious about ice accumulation, since several more hours of freezing rain may put some areas in the game for ice storm warning criteria,” the National Weather Service said in Friday night update.
“Some areas are starting to convert back to sleet and snow so think we can hold off on ice storm warnings for now,” the weather service said at 8:50 p.m.
All 21 New Jersey counties remain under a state of emergency and a commercial travel restriction took effect at 3 p.m.
Winter storm warnings remain in effect for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected.
The National Weather Service issued updated winter storm maps that showed an increasing concern for significant ice from sleet and freezing rain. That also meant a reduction in forecasted snow totals.National Weather Service and Canva
A widespread glaze of ice is now more likely across more than half of the state with more dangerous amounts centered around Hunterdon, Somerset and northern Mercer counties.
The National Weather Service downgraded winter storm warnings to winter weather advisories for Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties due to much lower snowfall totals now expected.
Warren and Sussex had been expecting up to 8 inches, but that has now been cut in half due to more freezing rain.
The mid-storm change in forecast resulted from a warm layer of air aloft that brought a change to sleet and freezing rain, particularly from Interstate 78 southward.
Significant travel disruptions are still expected despite the revised forecast for snowfall totals.
Precipitation is expected taper off Saturday morning, with temperatures struggling to warm into the 30s.
Clouds will linger into Saturday afternoon before clearing begins from the north.
Sunday will bring tranquil conditions with high pressure settling over the region, though temperatures will remain cold with lows in the teens inland and low 20s along the coast Saturday night.
Sunday’s highs will range from near freezing in the far north to mid to upper 40s in southern New Jersey as southerly winds develop ahead of an approaching warm front.
Rain is possible late Sunday, though northern interior areas may see a brief period of freezing rain Sunday evening before temperatures warm enough for all rain.
Monday will turn significantly milder with highs in the 50s for most of New Jersey as a strong cold front approaches.
Rain showers are expected, especially in the morning, with southerly winds becoming gusty.
The cold front will sweep through Monday with winds shifting to the northwest and becoming very strong, with gusts potentially exceeding 40 mph.
Temperatures will crash Monday night as much colder air moves in behind the front.
The rest of next week will feature cold conditions with highs mostly in the 30s and lows in the teens and 20s.
Strong winds will continue Tuesday with gusts of 40 to 45 mph possible.
Various reinforcing shots of cold air may arrive with weak cold fronts through the week, though precipitation is more likely to stay north of New Jersey.
Current weather radar
