Hours before a major winter storm is expected to hit New Jersey, forecasters lowered forecasts for how many parts of the state it could snow on Wednesday. But in some areas, there is still a lot to be done.
Some parts of northern New Jersey that forecast 18 to 24 inches of snow are now forecast to receive 8 to 12 inches of snow, according to a National Weather Service storm briefing released Tuesday at 6 p.m.
According to the forecast, areas near the I-95 corridor and areas north and west are likely to receive the most snow. Forecasters said 12 to 18 inches of snow could still be seen in those parts of the state.
The meteorological service briefing said snowfall could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour for an hour late every Wednesday night, causing a significant reduction in visibility and affecting the impact of travel in places.
This graphic shows the main hazards posed by the snowfall on Wednesday and the expected time.National Weather Service
Meanwhile, a little less was seen from the accumulation of ice in southern Jersey. Forecasters say the hurricane’s epicenter is likely to be closer to the Jersey coast than they previously expected, so more warm air will be forced out of the ocean. It will bring more rain than snow to southern New Jersey and coastal areas. .
Still, snow and strong winds are expected in the area. And forecasters say a combination of snow, thin and cold rain is possible – especially between the Interstate 78 and I-95/295 corridors – accelerating the risk of slippery roads.
Central Jersey will see snow fall from 4 to 5 p.m., and further north from 6 to 7 p.m.
“As you head to New Brunswick, we’re seeing a start time between 2pm and 5pm and then, if you go to the New York (state) border, it starts an hour or two later, so it’s normal. The way is central for a good part of the state until late afternoon, ”Sean Roland of Warren County-based private forecasting company Weather Works told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday morning. South Jersey will see the winter weather around 11 p.m.
The National Weather Service says moderate flooding is possible Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.National Weather Service
The state Department of Transportation on Wednesday issued a “Winter Weather Congestion Warning” based on the storm and urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.
“The NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners are encouraged to clear the road for safe and effective clearing of snow, so that we can clear the roads,” the department said in a statement.
The forecast also says for some floods and winds. Gusts can be seen in coastal areas at speeds of 45 to 60 miles per hour.
“It simply came to our notice then. Inland, gusts can reach altitudes of 30 to 40 miles per hour, intensifying visibility restrictions in the snow, ”the agency said in a briefing.
Predictors said moderate coastal flooding was possible Wednesday evening and Thursday morning during high tides in the Atlantic Ocean and lower Delaware Bay.
This graphic shows the biggest dangers posed by snowfall on Wednesday.National Weather Service
Storm warning
As of late Tuesday night, the following warnings were issued by the National Weather Service:
- Winter storm warnings are in effect Wednesday afternoon in Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Warren and Western Monmouth. It will be active until 10 a.m. Thursday.
- Winter storm warnings will be in effect in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passak and Union from 2pm on Wednesday to 1am on Thursday.
- High wind warnings will be effective in coastal Atlantic and Cape May counties from 4pm on Wednesday to 2am on Thursday, with gusts of up to 60 mph as possible.
- Strong wind warnings will be effective in coastal sections of East Mommouth County and Ocean County from Wednesday evening from 9 a.m. Thursday to 9 mph gusts possible.
- Wind advisors will be effective in the Atlantic, Cumberland and southeast Burlington from 4pm on Wednesday to 2am on Thursday, with gusts of up to 55 mph.
- Extreme levels of flood danger were announced in Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties late Wednesday and early Thursday.
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The report was contributed by NJ Advance Media staff writers Jeff Goldam, Na, Katie Kaush and Lane Melisergo.
Noah Cohen Can be reached at [email protected].
