Key Takeaways:
- Winter storm expected to hit New Jersey tonight with snowfall totals of 1-5 inches across the entire region
- Highest snowfall totals likely in southern and central New Jersey, with a zone of 5+ inches possible
- Winter weather advisories in effect for 19 counties from 7 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday
- Dangerously cold temperatures and gusty winds to follow the storm, with wind chill values dropping into single digits
- Arctic air to surge into New Jersey Sunday night, bringing bitterly cold conditions
- High temperatures on Monday to reach only the low to mid 30s, with a warming trend expected on Wednesday
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The National Weather Service has increased the forecast for snow to more than 5 inches in some parts of New Jersey from a winter storm expected to hit the state tonight. The storm is expected to bring snowfall totals of 1-5 inches across the entire region, with a zone of 5+ inches possible in a wide band through southern and central New Jersey. The highest snowfall totals are likely to occur in areas along the I-95 corridor and immediately to the southeast in southern New Jersey.
Snowfall and Winter Weather Advisories
Winter weather advisories are in effect for 19 counties in New Jersey, excluding Sussex and Passaic counties, where only 1 to 2 inches of snow is expected. The advisories are in effect from 7 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday, with the heaviest snow expected to fall after midnight Saturday night into Sunday morning. Precipitation may start as rain along and southeast of Interstate 95 before transitioning to snow late Saturday evening into the overnight hours. Areas north of Interstate 78 and west of Interstate 287 will see snow from the start, with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches expected.
Expected Snowfall Totals and Timing
The National Weather Service warns that untreated surfaces will become slippery, particularly from late evening through mid-morning Sunday. The snow is expected to taper off from northwest to southeast Sunday morning, ending by around noon. Some spotty snow showers may continue into Sunday afternoon. The Jersey Shore is also expected to see a few inches of snow, with areas along and southeast of I-95 expecting 3 to 5 inches of snow. The snowfall totals are expected to be significant, with some areas potentially seeing over 5 inches of snow.
Cold Temperatures and Gusty Winds
Following the storm, dangerously cold temperatures and gusty winds are expected to move into the region. Wind gusts up to 30 mph are possible, which could cause some blowing and drifting snow. Arctic air will surge into New Jersey Sunday night, bringing bitterly cold conditions. Wind chill values will drop into the single digits for most areas Sunday night into Monday morning, with some locations possibly reaching below zero. The cold snap is expected to continue through Monday, with high temperatures only reaching the low to mid 30s for most areas.
Long-Term Forecast
The cold snap will continue Monday night, with temperatures in the teens for many areas and winds of 5 to 10 mph, resulting in wind chill values in the low to mid teens. Tuesday is expected to remain dry, with high pressure in place across the region, and highs in the mid 20s to mid 30s. However, a warming trend is expected to begin on Wednesday, with high temperatures in the upper 30s to upper 40s. The warmup will continue on Thursday, with temperatures climbing to the upper 40s to upper 50s. A cold front will bring a chance of rain on Thursday into Thursday night, before high pressure builds back in for Friday, when temperatures return to the 40s for most areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the winter storm expected to hit New Jersey tonight is expected to bring significant snowfall totals, with some areas potentially seeing over 5 inches of snow. The storm will be followed by dangerously cold temperatures and gusty winds, with wind chill values dropping into single digits. It is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storm and the subsequent cold snap. The long-term forecast suggests a warming trend beginning on Wednesday, but it is crucial to stay vigilant and prepared for any changes in the weather.