N.J. weather: Up to 2 feet of snow, dangerous blizzard conditions in updated forecast for monster storm

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N.J. weather: Up to 2 feet of snow, dangerous blizzard conditions in updated forecast for monster storm

The snow forecasts have continued to increase for a monster nor’easter storm that is expected to bury New Jersey with up to 2 feet now possible along with dangerous blizzard conditions.

“Total forecast snow accumulations have continued to increase this afternoon,” the National Weather Service said in an update Saturday evening.

Widespread snowfall totals of 12 to 18 inches are expected across the state.

The highest totals nearing 2 feet are forecast for Monmouth, Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties.

“East of the I-95 corridor across much of central and southern N.J., amounts exceeding 18 inches are expected, and isolated totals as high as 24 inches are possible,” the weather service said.

Up to 2 feet of snow is now possible for parts of New Jersey with widespread totals of 12 to 18 inches expected. Blizzard warnings have been issued for 17 counties and a state of emergency takes effect at noon on Sunday.AccuWeather.com and National Weather Service

Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for all 21 New Jersey counties ahead of the storm, effective at noon on Sunday.

“I am urging you to stay off the roads Sunday through Monday,” Sherrill said during a Saturday afternoon press conference. “The heaviest snowfall is expected between Sunday night and Monday morning.”

Blizzard warnings have been issued for 17 counties with wind gusts up to 55 mph possible, creating whiteouts from blowing snow and the potential for power outages.

“The clinging nature of the snow and high winds will put a strain on trees and power lines, with extensive power outages anticipated,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus said.

Widespread travel disruptions are likely Sunday evening and well into Monday. School closures and schedule changes are also expected.

The blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings for the four remaining counties run through 6 p.m. Monday.

“The snow will be heavy, wet, and sticky until later in the event,” the weather service said. “However, blowing and drifting of snow is certainly a concern, especially closer toward the coast where winds will be strongest.”

The storm could start as light rain for much of the state early Sunday before transitioning to snow by the late morning or early afternoon.

Areas north of I-78 will likely see all snow during the storm.

“Snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour where the heaviest accumulations are forecast,” the weather service said. “The heaviest snowfall is anticipated to occur mainly Sunday evening through Sunday night, then begin to taper off into the daytime hours Monday.”

Moderate coastal flooding along the Jersey Shore and Delaware Bay is also a concern.

Coastal flood warnings have been issued for Atlantic, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties from 9 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday.

Updated weather alerts by county

Blizzard warnings (17 counties)

Atlantic and Cape May counties – from 1 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Total snow accumulations between 12 and 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties – from 1 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Total snow accumulations between 12 and 18 inches, highest towards the NYC metro. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and northwestern Burlington counties – from 10 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Total snow accumulations between 14 and 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

Mercer, Middlesex, Morris and Somerset counties – from 10 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Total snow accumulations between 16 and 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

Monmouth, Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties – from 10 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Total snow accumulations between 20 and 24 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

Winter storm warnings (4 counties)

Hunterdon, Sussex and Warren counties – from 10 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 13 and 18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

Salem County – from 10 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Total snow accumulations between 14 and 18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.