Snow, sleet and powerful winds were expected late Wednesday into Thursday across portions of New Jersey as a winter storm continued to slam the region.
Northern New Jersey counties remained under a winter storm warning through Thursday morning, according to a briefing from the National Weather Service released shortly after 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“Heavy snow, mixed precipitation, and rain will affect the region,” the weather service briefing said. “Snow amounts will be significant north and west of the I-95 corridor, though heavy snowfall has occurred across this corridor this evening.”
Snowfall rates could reach 3 inches per hour overnight, causing limited visibility and making travel treacherous. Inland northern areas of the state close to the Pennsylvania line could still see snowfall totals reach at least 18 inches with higher amounts possible in Sussex County, forecasts said. South Jersey, however, was expected to dodge any major snow accumulation.
“Travel will be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions will impact the evening commute tonight and the morning commute on Thursday,” the weather service said.
Power outages were also a concern as inland wind gusts as high as 30 to 40 mph were possible, according to forecasts. Coastal areas could see gusts reaching 45 to 60 mph. Statewide, utilities reported only a few hundred customers without electricity at about 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.
“There will also likely be scattered power outages just to the north and west of the rain/snow transition line due to heavy wet snow,” the briefing said.
Officials have urged motorists to avoid travel and speed restrictions were in place Wednesday on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike as the winter weather began impacting the state.
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Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.
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