A new round of snow began moving into New Jersey after nightfall today as the second phase of a major winter storm threatened to dump as much as a foot of snow on winter-weary New Jersey. The first phase of the storm brought more snow than expected this morning, leaving roads slick and slushy for the morning commute. By...
A new round of snow began moving into New Jersey after nightfall today as the second phase of a major winter storm threatened to dump as much as a foot of snow on winter-weary New Jersey.
The first phase of the storm brought more snow than expected this morning, leaving roads slick and slushy for the morning commute. By midday when the snow tapered off, accumulations ranged from about half an inch in Atlantic City to 5 inches in Somerset. Many areas saw light rain or freezing rain this afternoon.
The nighttime snowfall was expected to be heavier, with 8 to 12 inches forecast for much of the state. The exception was the southern coast, where only 2 to 5 inches was forecast for Atlantic City southward.
Valerie Meola, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said the forecast snow totals were increased this morning as the storm got off to a stronger start than expected.
Ahead of the second round, Gov. Chris Christie authorized early dismissal of most state workers beginning at 2 p.m. and schools scrambled to close early. Even a Republican State Committee dinner commemorating Christie's first year in office was postponed.
Winter storm warnings were in place until 4 a.m. Thursday. The snow was expected to stop by daybreak.
The New Jersey Turnpike imposed speed restrictions of 35 mph on the southern portion of the highway this evening and 45 mph on the northern half.
NJ Transit allowed customers to use bus tickets for rail travel, and vice versa, today and said the same cross-honoring arrangement would be in effect for Thursday.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported delays of three hours or more on some arriving flights at Newark Liberty International Airport.
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