New Jersey declares state of emergency as messy weather system creates hazardous travel conditions across region
State of Emergency Declared as Complex Storm System Arrives
A significant winter weather system moved through New York and New Jersey on Tuesday, prompting New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency at 5 a.m. Eastern Time. The declaration cited anticipated significant impacts from snow, rain, and icing conditions across the northern portion of the state. The storm brought a complex mix of precipitation types that created challenging conditions for both morning and evening commuters, with meteorologists warning of rapidly changing weather patterns throughout the day.
Multiple Precipitation Types Create Hazardous Conditions
The weather system produced heavy rain in lower-elevation areas including New York City, while simultaneously delivering substantial snowfall to inland and elevated regions. Areas along the rain-snow boundary experienced particularly treacherous conditions, with wet snow and occasional ice accumulation making roadways hazardous. The National Weather Service issued multiple Winter Weather Advisories across the tri-state area, recognizing the varied impacts different communities would experience based on local temperatures and elevation.
Temperature gradients played a crucial role in determining precipitation type. Areas just above freezing received heavy rain that could transition to snow as temperatures dropped, while colder regions to the north and west experienced snow from the storm’s onset. Forecasters noted that even slight temperature variations of a few degrees could dramatically alter precipitation type and accumulation totals in any given location.
Regional Impact and Accumulation Forecasts
Snowfall projections varied significantly across the affected region, reflecting the storm’s complex nature and the challenging forecasting environment. Upstate New York anticipated receiving 5 to 8 inches of snow, with some interior portions of the Northeast potentially accumulating 5 to 10 inches. Higher elevations in New York and New Jersey could expect 3 to 5 inches, while New York City, Long Island, and coastal New Jersey primarily experienced rainfall with minimal snow accumulation.
County-Specific Weather Advisories
Putnam, Rockland, and Western Passaic counties remained under Winter Weather Advisory through 10 p.m., with forecasters predicting 1 to 3 inches of wet snow. Sussex County, New Jersey, faced similar conditions through 7 p.m., with potential accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, locally reaching 4 inches at higher elevations, along with the possibility of light ice glazing. Warren County in New Jersey, alongside Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania, remained under advisory until 1 p.m., expecting 1 to 3 inches of snow with up to 4 inches in elevated terrain and minor icing anticipated.
The variable nature of precipitation created forecasting challenges and required continuous monitoring throughout the event. The National Weather Service New York office provided regular updates as the storm progressed, helping emergency managers and transportation officials make informed decisions about resource deployment and public safety measures.
Timeline of Weather Developments
The storm’s progression followed a complex timeline that affected different areas at varying times. Early morning temperatures around 6:45 a.m. showed locations like Newark sitting just above freezing, with rising dew points allowing precipitation to reach the ground. Around 8 a.m., the main precipitation shield moved into the region, bringing widespread heavy rain to New York City and surrounding lower-elevation areas. While some wet snowflakes fell initially, conditions quickly transitioned to steady rain in these warmer zones.
Between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., snow fell in inland areas while rain spread into New York City and coastal regions, creating slippery road conditions across multiple zones. Late morning through afternoon hours saw increased rainfall rates, raising concerns about localized flooding in the city and suburbs, even as snow continued north and west of the metropolitan area. The storm began moving out from west to east between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., though snow lingered in far northwestern counties where colder temperatures persisted.
Transportation and School Impacts
The winter weather prompted dozens of school closings and delays across the region as administrators evaluated local conditions and transportation feasibility. School districts made individual determinations based on road conditions, forecast timing, and safety concerns for students and staff. The disruptions affected families’ work schedules and required contingency planning for childcare and remote learning where applicable.
Travel Challenges and Safety Concerns
Transportation officials warned that slick conditions would likely develop on roads, bridges, and overpasses throughout the affected areas. The combination of precipitation types created particular challenges for road treatment operations, as different chemicals and approaches work more effectively for snow versus ice. State and local highway departments deployed equipment and personnel to treat roadways, though the evolving nature of the storm required adaptive strategies as conditions changed. The U.S. Department of Transportation provides guidance on winter road maintenance practices that states and localities adapt to their specific circumstances.
Evening commuters faced continued challenges as the storm system moved through, with travel remaining slow in many areas. After 10 p.m., clearing skies and falling temperatures created new hazards as wet surfaces began refreezing on untreated roads and walkways. This transition period often proves particularly dangerous, as black ice can form on surfaces that appear clear, catching drivers and pedestrians unaware.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
New Jersey’s state of emergency declaration enabled coordinated resource deployment and enhanced support for local emergency response efforts. The mechanism allows state agencies to mobilize equipment, personnel, and supplies more efficiently while facilitating communication and coordination among multiple jurisdictions. Emergency managers monitored conditions throughout the event, prepared to respond to weather-related incidents and assist communities as needed.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency works with states to prepare for and respond to winter weather events, though most winter storms are managed at state and local levels without requiring federal disaster declarations. State emergency management agencies coordinate planning, preparedness, and response activities, ensuring that communities have necessary resources and support during weather emergencies.
Post-Storm Conditions and Outlook
Forecasters predicted that Tuesday night would bring a chance of early rain before clearing, with overnight low temperatures around 30 degrees and wind chills in the 20s. Wednesday’s outlook called for sunny conditions with highs near 41 degrees, though wind chills would make it feel colder, ranging from mid-20s to mid-30s. Wednesday night was expected to be partly cloudy with lows near 31 degrees, as the region transitioned into more stable weather patterns following the storm system’s departure.
Seasonal Weather Patterns and Future Outlook
This early December storm represents the type of complex weather system common during the transition into winter, when temperature profiles remain variable and precipitation type becomes difficult to predict precisely. As the season progresses and colder air becomes more firmly established, winter storms typically produce more consistent snow rather than mixed precipitation events. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration monitors large-scale climate patterns that influence seasonal weather trends, helping forecasters develop longer-range outlooks.
Residents throughout the affected region were reminded to remain weather-aware as winter continues, maintaining preparedness supplies and staying informed about approaching weather systems. The combination of snow, rain, and ice that characterized this storm demonstrates the varied challenges that winter weather can present, requiring flexible response strategies from emergency managers, transportation officials, and individual residents alike as they navigate seasonal weather impacts.
