Key Takeaways
- A coastal storm may bring the first accumulating snowfall of the season to New Jersey on Tuesday, with northwestern counties expected to receive 2 to 7 inches of snow.
- The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Sussex County, warning of hazardous travel conditions and potential impacts on the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.
- The latest forecast calls for 4 to 7 inches of snow in Sussex County, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible at times.
- Subtle shifts in the storm track could significantly alter snowfall amounts and the rain-snow line location, making confidence in snowfall amounts relatively low.
- Another storm system may impact New Jersey next weekend, although there is considerable uncertainty about the track and precipitation type.
Introduction to the Storm
A coastal storm is expected to bring the first accumulating snowfall of the season to much of New Jersey on Tuesday. The storm is forecasted to impact the northwestern part of the state, with counties such as Sussex expected to receive significant snowfall. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Sussex County, effective from late Monday through Tuesday evening, warning of hazardous travel conditions and potential impacts on the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.
Snowfall Predictions
The latest forecast calls for 4 to 7 inches of snow in Sussex County, especially at higher elevations. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible at times, making travel conditions difficult. Northwestern New Jersey could get 2 to 7 inches of snow on Tuesday, with the highest amounts expected in Sussex County. Much of the state should stay warm enough for heavy rain to fall through the day, although areas just southeast of Interstate 78, including portions of Warren, Hunterdon, and western Morris counties, could see 2 to 5 inches of snow before transitioning to rain.
Storm Track and Precipitation
Forecasters have noted that subtle shifts in the storm track could significantly alter snowfall amounts and the rain-snow line location. As a result, confidence in snowfall amounts remains relatively low at this time. The immediate I-95 corridor and coastal regions will likely receive all rain, with totals of up to 1.5 inches. The heaviest precipitation is expected Tuesday afternoon before the storm moves away Tuesday evening. Temperatures Tuesday will range from the lower 30s inland to the mid 40s along the Jersey Shore.
Pre-Storm Weather Conditions
Ahead of the storm, light rain will end across New Jersey Sunday evening as a cold front passes through, bringing gusty northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph overnight. Temperatures will drop into the upper 20s to lower 30s by Monday morning. Monday will be dry and cold with high pressure building in, bringing mostly clear skies and highs in the upper 30s to lower 40s. This will provide a brief respite before the storm arrives on Tuesday.
Post-Storm Weather Conditions
After Tuesday’s storm, high pressure returns Wednesday with clearing skies but continued cold temperatures about 10 degrees below normal. A dry cold front will pass through Thursday, ushering in an even colder airmass Thursday night into Friday. Lows Thursday night could drop into the single digits across interior sections. High temperatures will remain in the 30s to lower 40s through the end of the week. Another storm system may impact New Jersey next weekend, although there remains considerable uncertainty about the track and precipitation type at this time.
Uncertainty and Future Storms
The uncertainty surrounding the storm track and precipitation type makes it difficult to predict the exact impact of the storm. However, forecasters are warning of potential hazardous travel conditions and disruptions to daily life. Another winter storm is possible next weekend, although the details are still unclear. Residents are advised to stay tuned to weather updates and plan accordingly to ensure their safety and comfort. With the cold temperatures and potential snowfall, it is essential to be prepared for the winter weather conditions that are expected to impact New Jersey in the coming days.