Major Storm Causes Widespread Power Outages Across New Jersey

Major Storm Causes Widespread Power Outages Across New Jersey

The Garden State was battered by snow, ice, a wintry mix, and freezing winds on Sunday as the major winter storm that had been predicted for days finally materialized at dawn and cut off thousands of people's electricity.

Over 6,000 people lost power during the day on Sunday, and workers are working hard to get it back.

Due to bad weather, Governor Mikie Sherrill has ordered that all state offices be closed on Monday.

Additionally, hundreds of New Jersey school districts have declared Monday to be a snow day.

As of Sunday at 12:01 a.m., commercial vehicles are not allowed on New Jersey's roadways. According to state transportation officials, only the Garden State Parkway, Atlantic City Expressway, and New Jersey Turnpike are free from this prohibition.

Light rail and bus services have been suspended by New Jersey Transit, and trains are set to cease operations at 2:00 p.m.

"Suspensions will continue until conditions allow for safe resumption," NJ Transit officials stated.

Travelers were advised to check with their airlines for any delays or cancellations prior to arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport, which opened at 10 a.m.

According to the National Weather Service, snowfall was occurring at a pace of one to two inches per hour on Sunday morning and was predicted to persist throughout the day. A winter storm warning is in force through 1 p.m. on Monday due to the continued presence of sleet and ice, which makes travel hazardous.

The Office of Emergency Management in Morris County was urging citizens to remain off the road as the snowfall approached a foot by Sunday afternoon.

"The Monday morning commute will be very tricky," according to Governor Sherrill . "If you can go in later, make alternate plans."

According to a recent preliminary estimate from AccuWeather, damage and economic losses from the storm are projected to reach $100 billion, so getting back to normal as soon as possible is crucial.

It is predicted that snowfall would continue throughout Sunday evening at a rate of one to two inches per hour. Sleet will mix in during the afternoon and evening for a large portion of the state before going back to pure snow overnight.

The coldest temperatures of the winter will arrive when the storm passes and are predicted to last until next weekend. Through next weekend, daytime highs will be in the 10s and 20s, while nighttime lows will be in the single digits to below zero. In certain areas of the state, wind chills might drop as low as negative-10 degrees.