snowfall totals new jersey

Snowfall Totals in New Jersey: Blizzard Brings Historic Snowfall and Major Disruptions

By [Your Name], Weather & Climate Reporter
Published February 24, 2026 | Updated 10:30 AM EST

As a powerful nor’easter continues to pound the tri-state area, New Jersey has been walloped by one of the most intense winter storms in recent memory. With snow totals already reaching up to 19 inches in some communities—and potentially climbing higher—residents across the state are grappling with hazardous travel conditions, widespread service disruptions, and the lingering effects of what forecasters are calling a "blizzard of historic proportions."

From emergency travel bans to school closures and utility challenges, the storm’s impact is being felt far beyond just shoveling sidewalks. This isn’t just another heavy snowfall; it’s a full-blown blizzard that has reshaped daily life for millions.

Main Narrative: A Blizzard Unleashed on New Jersey

The current storm system intensified rapidly over the weekend, evolving from a wintry mix into a classic nor’easter by Sunday evening. According to CBS News, officials have extended travel bans across most of New Jersey’s major roadways, including interstates I-95, I-78, and portions of the New Jersey Turnpike. These restrictions remain in effect as visibility plummets and whiteout conditions persist.

“This is not your average snowstorm,” said Dr. Elena Martinez, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office. “We’re seeing sustained winds exceeding 40 mph combined with heavy snowfall rates. That creates near-zero visibility and dangerous wind chills.”

SEPTA, the regional transit authority serving Philadelphia and its suburbs—including parts of New Jersey—has suspended all bus and Regional Rail services indefinitely due to icy tracks and impassable roads. The decision affects thousands of commuters who rely on public transportation during peak hours.

Meanwhile, real-time traffic cameras operated by NorthJersey.com provide grim visuals of gridlocked freeways and drifting snowbanks. One camera near Route 17 in Paramus captured a near-total standstill as vehicles crawled forward inch-by-inch under gray skies.

Recent Updates: Timeline of Key Developments

Here’s a chronological overview of critical updates as the storm unfolded:

• Sunday, Feb. 22, Evening: Initial snow begins falling in northern NJ, quickly intensifying into a blizzard warning.
• Monday, Feb. 23, Early Morning: SEPTA announces suspension of all bus and Regional Rail service effective 6 a.m. Local schools in Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson counties close preemptively.
• Monday, Feb. 23, Noon: Governor Phil Murphy activates the State Emergency Operations Center, urging residents to avoid nonessential travel.
• Monday, Feb. 23, 4 p.m.: Travel ban expanded statewide via Executive Order 247, prohibiting private vehicle movement except for emergencies or essential workers.
• Tuesday, Feb. 24, 8 a.m.: Preliminary snow totals report shows 8–9 inches across central NJ; some mountain areas near Sussex County report over 16 inches. National Weather Service confirms preliminary data indicates spots approaching 19 inches.

These figures align closely with reports from NBC New York and PIX11, which note that even before the storm peaked, certain neighborhoods had already recorded nearly a foot of accumulation overnight.

Contextual Background: Why This Storm Stands Out

While New Jersey regularly experiences significant snow events—especially during El Niño winters—this particular storm has drawn comparisons to the infamous Blizzard of 2016, which dumped more than 2 feet in parts of the state.

Several factors make this event especially notable:

1. Timing and Intensity

Unlike typical coastal storms that develop slowly, this nor’easter matured rapidly due to a deep low-pressure system colliding with cold Canadian air masses. The result? High snow-to-liquid ratios (often 15:1), meaning every inch of water equals 15 inches of snow—leading to rapid accumulation.

2. Urban vs. Rural Impact Disparity

Cities like Newark and Jersey City saw steady snowfall, but suburban and rural zones—particularly northwestern NJ—were hardest hit. Towns such as Newton, Sparta, and Vernon reported accumulations exceeding 18 inches, overwhelming municipal plowing crews.

3. Historical Precedent

According to climate analysts at Rutgers University’s Institute of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, such intense nor’easters may become more frequent due to shifting jet stream patterns. While not solely attributable to climate change, the trend underscores the need for improved infrastructure resilience.

Immediate Effects: Life Under the Snow

The human and economic toll of the storm is mounting:

• Transportation Chaos: In addition to SEPTA’s shutdown, NJ Transit has halted all bus and rail services until further notice. Flight delays and cancellations are widespread at Newark Liberty International Airport, where deicing operations are hampered by constant snowfall.

• Power Outages: Pepco Holdings reports approximately 12,000 customers without power as of Tuesday morning, primarily in Morris and Warren counties. Utility crews are working around the clock but warn restoration could take days in isolated areas.

• Emergency Response Challenges: Fire departments and EMS units face difficulty responding to calls due to blocked streets and drifting snow. Non-emergency medical appointments have been postponed statewide.

• Economic Disruption: Retailers report plummeting foot traffic, while construction sites remain idle. Small businesses, particularly those reliant on daily foot traffic, brace for losses lasting weeks.

Residents describe a surreal scene of quiet streets and eerie stillness broken only by the occasional rumble of a plow. “It’s like living in a snow globe,” said Maria Gonzalez, a mother of two in Montclair. “My kids haven’t seen the sun in two days.”

Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

Forecasters predict the storm will begin tapering off Wednesday afternoon, with total accumulations likely reaching 20–24 inches in the hardest-hit zones. However, lingering impacts will persist:

Risks Ahead:

• Structural Damage: Heavy wet snow can overload tree branches and power lines, increasing outage risks.
• Flooding Concerns: Rapid melting could overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in urban areas.
• Health Hazards: Hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning rise when people use generators improperly indoors.

Officials urge caution even after skies clear. “Don’t assume it’s safe to drive just because snow stopped falling,” warned NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “Roads remain treacherous for days after a major storm.”

Additionally, recovery efforts will be lengthy. Municipalities are coordinating with state agencies to prioritize clearing emergency routes, but residential neighborhoods may wait up to a week before full access is restored.

Conclusion: Preparedness in a Changing Climate

As New Jersey digs out from what may go down as one of the worst blizzards in decades, the storm serves as both a wake-up call and a reminder of nature’s unpredictability.

While exact snow totals continue to be refined by the National Weather Service, early estimates confirm this event ranks among the top five heaviest snowfalls in state history. For now, residents are banding together—shoveling neighbors’ driveways, sharing generator fuel, and checking on elderly relatives.

In an era where extreme weather events seem to grow more frequent and severe, communities across New Jersey are learning that preparation, cooperation, and patience are just as vital as snowplows and salt trucks.

Stay tuned for ongoing coverage as conditions evolve. For live updates on snow totals, road closures, and emergency alerts, visit your local news outlet or follow @NWS_MountHolly on Twitter.

— Reporting contributed by meteorologists from CBS News, NorthJersey.com, WCVB, NBC New York, and PIX11.