N.J. weather: Widespread 12 to 18 inches of snow, dangerous ice to slam state this weekend. Latest forecast.
The threat of a dangerous layer of ice has increased from the massive winter storm expected to slam New Jersey this weekend, burying most of the state under 12 to 18 inches of snow.
“Confidence continues to increase in major impacts from a significant winter storm Saturday night through early Monday afternoon,” the National Weather Service said early Friday. “Sleet and freezing rain chances have increased for the I-95 corridor southward.”
The expected changeover to a wintry mix in the southern half of the state has lowered some snowfall forecasts to around a foot, but adds dangerous ice and potential power outages.
“Snow may mix with or change to sleet and freezing rain, contributing the hazardous driving conditions,” the weather service said. “Freezing rain could lead to damage to trees and power lines.”
- MORE: Weekend snowstorm could be biggest we’ve had in 5 years. Just stay home, forecasters say.
The band of potential icing spans from Salem County to Hudson County, with the highest amounts of 0.10 to 0.25 inches expected along the I-95 corridor.
A winter storm watch for the entire state starts at 7 p.m. Saturday in South Jersey and 1 a.m. Sunday in most northern counties. The watch continues through Monday afternoon or Monday evening, depending on the county.
Northern New Jersey remains on track for 12 to 18 inches of snow, the weather service said.
Central New Jersey and southern counties closer to Philadelphia may see snowfall totals closer to 12 inches due to the wintry mix causing more ice, according to the updated forecast.
Southeastern New Jersey counties are likely to get 8 to 12 inches of snow, forecasters said.
A massive winter storm is on track to bury most of New Jersey with 12 to 18 inches of snow, and chances have increased for a dangerous coating of ice for roughly half the state, according to the latest forecast.AccuWeather.com
AccuWeather’s forecast calls for a more conservative 6 to 12 inches of snow across nearly all of New Jersey and 3 to 6 inches in the southeastern corner of the state.
Snow is expected to begin Saturday night and become moderate to heavy at times Sunday morning through the afternoon, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during that window.
A massive winter storm is on track to bury most of New Jersey with 12 to 18 inches of snow and chances have increased for a dangerous coating of ice for roughly half the state, according to the latest forecast.AccuWeather.com
Widespread travel disruptions are expected, with closed roads and canceled flights.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill has scheduled a 3:30 p.m. press conference for Friday to address storm preparations. She issued a video message Thursday evening urging residents to stay home during the storm.
- RELATED: Christie, Murphy botched snowstorms early on as N.J. gov. Is Sherrill ready for a mega storm?
The storm is expected to continue into the work week and likely affect school schedules on Monday.
The storm system will start to pull away Sunday night through early Monday as temperatures drop further.
Any areas still seeing a wintry mix should change back to all snow with additional accumulations likely into Monday.
Breezy winds on Sunday and Monday could lead to some minor blowing and drifting of snow, the weather service said.
A massive winter storm is on track to bury most of New Jersey with 12 to 18 inches of snow and chances have increased for a dangerous coating of ice for roughly half the state, according to the latest forecast.National Weather Service
Ahead of the storm
Before the storm arrives, dangerously cold conditions will grip the state Friday night into Saturday morning.
A cold weather advisory has been issued across New Jersey.
A massive winter storm is on track to bury most of New Jersey with 12 to 18 inches of snow, and chances have increased for a dangerous coating of ice for roughly half the state, according to the latest forecast.AccuWeather.com
High temperatures on Friday will reach the 30s and low 40s before plummeting into the single digits, with winds of 25 to 35 mph and wind chills around zero.
Saturday will remain bitterly cold, with highs only reaching the mid-to upper teens and low 20s across most of New Jersey.
Brutal cold forecast
The heavy snow from the weekend storm isn’t likely to melt anytime soon.
Arctic air will remain in place into late next week, with temperatures likely remaining below freezing across the entire region through Thursday.
Highs through the middle of next week are expected to struggle to reach the low 20s across most locations, with wind chills falling below zero again Monday and Tuesday nights.
Similar temperatures are expected Wednesday and Thursday, though wind chills should improve somewhat as winds are expected to subside, forecasters said.
The prolonged period of cold will be dangerous to those outside without proper clothing, and additional cold weather alerts will likely be needed for parts of next week, the weather service said.
Current weather radar
