Weather Hazards

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency beginning early Tuesday, Dec. 2, as a winter storm brings heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the northwestern counties.

The declaration takes effect at 5 a.m., and includes Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties, officials said.

“Starting early tomorrow morning, we will experience potentially significant winter weather resulting in hazardous conditions in the northwestern part of our state,” Murphy said. He added, “With snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain expected to impact travel and safety on our roads, I am declaring a State of Emergency for Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties.”

According to the National Weather Service briefing issued at 4 p.m. Monday, snowfall totals will vary sharply by region.

  • Southern Poconos & Sussex County: 3–6 inches expected, with snowfall rates up to 1 inch per hour during the morning commute

  • Northwest of I-95 through the I-78 corridor: 1–2 inches, with snow changing to rain by late morning and a brief glaze of freezing rain possible
  • I-95/NJ Turnpike corridor (including Trenton): A few flakes at onset, then a quick change to rain shortly after daybreak
  • The Summary of Greatest Impacts graphic shows the most significant conditions confined to NW NJ and the southern Poconos 

The event summary notes that areas above 1,500 feet in Northwest New Jersey have the potential to reach 4–6 inches of snow.

A map shows snow beginning northwest of I-95, with the rain/snow line moving north through the morning.

A brief period of freezing rain may occur northwest of I-95, leaving up to 0.01 inches of ice on untreated surfaces during the morning commute.

Marine conditions will worsen Tuesday afternoon and night, with winds of 20–30 kts and seas building to 5–8 feet.

Murphy said transportation crews would be activated overnight to prepare for the storm. “I urge all drivers in these areas to exercise caution, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts, watches, and warnings, and visit ready.nj.gov for statewide updates.