NJ Weather: Winter Storm Warning In 8 NJ Counties, 40-MPH Winds

NEW JERSEY - Buckle up, Garden State: It looks like we're going to get some snow.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for parts of New Jersey for Monday, with the potential for up to 12 inches of snow accumulation. The warning is in effect through Monday at 4 p.m.

Central and southern New Jersey are expected to pick up the brunt of the winter storm with predicted accumulations between 8 and 12 inches. A winter storm warning is in effect for these counties as of 9 a.m. on Monday:

• Ocean
• Cumberland
• Gloucester
• Cape May
• Camden
• Salem
• Atlantic
• Burlington

Monmouth County is also under a winter weather advisory.

We have issued a Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory for the upcoming winter storm. Rain will quickly transition to snow late tonight, leading to a disruptive AM commute. Heaviest snowfall will remain along and SE of the I-95 corridor. ❄️#PAwx #NJwx #MDwx #DEwx pic.twitter.com/bfVlXkKAUr
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 2, 2022

Here is the latest on the winter storm expected to impact portions of the region today. Rain has already moved into the region, but is expected to change over to all snow around sunrise.#DEWX #MDWX #NJWX #PAWX pic.twitter.com/7qjJApO2nR
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 3, 2022

Snowfall in excess of two inches per hour are possible with the heaviest snow Monday morning, the National Weather Service said.

"This will likely cause major impacts to the Monday morning commute. Even though roads may initially remain above freezing, higher snowfall rates will still lead to roads eventually becoming snow-covered in areas under warnings or advisories."

Rounds of coastal flooding are expected, with a coastal flood warning issued for tidal portions of Atlantic, Cape May and Sussex counties. Another winter storm is also possible Thursday night into Friday.

On Sunday night, Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for five counties expected to be hit hardest. Those counties are Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, and Ocean counties, effective 9 p.m. Sunday.

"Residents should stay off the roads, remain vigilant, and follow all safety protocols," the governor tweeted.

The heaviest snowfall is expected southeast of the Interstate 95 corridor, the National Weather Service said.

In addition to heavy snow, wind gusting to 40 mph is expected, the service said, making travel "very difficult" Monday morning.

The forecast has prompted officials in some New Jersey towns to remind residents to park vehicles off the streets so plows can get through. Some schools in Atlantic, Monmouth and Ocean counties have already announced delayed openings or closures.

The National Weather Service urges anyone who must travel to carry an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

With reporting by Karen Wall.