NEWARK, N.J. — A powerful blizzard battered New Jersey on Sunday and into Monday, leaving more than 122,000 homes and businesses without power as heavy snow and fierce winds disrupted life across the state. The storm, one of the most significant to hit the region in recent decades, dumped up to 18.5 inches of snow in some areas and prompted a statewide state of emergency, with all major roadways under a travel ban until early Monday morning.
According to reports from utility providers, the number of power outages more than doubled overnight, reflecting the storm's intensifying impact. As of 7:05 a.m. Monday, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) reported 69,051 customers affected, a sharp increase from 24,896 at 11:45 p.m. Sunday. Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) saw 4,554 outages, up slightly from 3,767, while Atlantic City Electric tallied 48,872, more than double its previous count of 19,159. Orange & Rockland Utilities noted a decrease to 189 from 432, but the overall situation remained dire as wind gusts of 25 to 35 miles per hour continued to rage, complicating restoration efforts.
The National Weather Service's Mount Holly office recorded 18.5 inches of snow by 5 a.m. Monday outside its facility, with many other locations seeing well over a foot of accumulation. Late Sunday night, the highest reported totals reached 8 to 9 inches in various spots, but the storm's ferocity escalated quickly, turning what began as a heavy snowfall into a full-blown blizzard. Meteorologists had warned of the potential for historic impacts, drawing comparisons to major storms from the 1990s that paralyzed the Northeast.
All 21 counties in New Jersey remained under a blizzard warning until 6 p.m. Monday, as authorities urged residents to stay indoors to avoid life-threatening conditions. The travel ban, which took effect at 9 p.m. Sunday, was set to lift at 7 a.m., allowing limited movement but with cautions about hazardous roads. Gov. Mike Sherrill declared a state of emergency on Sunday, mobilizing resources to address the crisis and coordinate response efforts across the state.
Transportation ground to a halt as NJ Transit suspended all service, stranding commuters and canceling trains, buses, and light rail operations indefinitely. Airports in the region, including Newark Liberty International, reported widespread delays and cancellations, with airlines advising passengers to check updates before heading to terminals. The storm's timing, coinciding with the end of the weekend, amplified disruptions for those preparing to return to work or school.
In coastal areas like Atlantic City, where Atlantic City Electric serves many customers, the combination of snow and wind led to particularly severe outages. Officials from the utility noted that downed lines and fallen trees were primary culprits, with crews working around the clock despite the challenging weather. "Restoration will be hampered by the ongoing gusts," a JCP&L spokesperson said in a statement released early Monday, emphasizing the need for patience from affected residents.
The blizzard's arrival followed a series of winter weather alerts issued throughout the weekend, with the National Weather Service forecasting up to 12 inches or more statewide. By Sunday evening, as snow intensified, emergency management teams activated warming centers in municipalities from Trenton to Jersey City. Reports from local fire departments highlighted several incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper generator use, underscoring the risks of outages during extreme cold.
Historical context adds weight to the event: New Jersey hasn't seen a blizzard of this magnitude since the 1993 Superstorm, which buried parts of the state under two feet of snow and caused widespread flooding. This storm, while not reaching those extremes everywhere, echoed the chaos with its rapid accumulation and high winds, which created whiteout conditions and reduced visibility to near zero on major highways like the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike before the ban.
Residents in northern counties, served largely by JCP&L, described the scene as apocalyptic. One homeowner in Morris County, speaking to reporters before the travel ban, said, "It's like the power just vanished—everything went dark in seconds." Such accounts highlight the human toll, with families relying on flashlights and battery-powered radios for updates. Schools across the state had already closed for Monday, and businesses prepared for extended shutdowns as plowing operations lagged behind the snowfall rate.
Southern New Jersey, including Atlantic County, faced additional threats from coastal flooding exacerbated by the winds pushing water onshore. The National Weather Service warned of possible minor inundation in low-lying areas, though the primary focus remained on snow removal and power restoration. Utility companies coordinated with state officials, prioritizing hospitals, police stations, and emergency services to maintain critical infrastructure.
As the morning progressed, some optimism emerged with the lifting of the travel ban, but experts cautioned that roads would remain treacherous. The New Jersey Department of Transportation reported deploying hundreds of plows and salt trucks, yet acknowledged that full clearance could take days. "We're dealing with an unprecedented volume of snow," a department official stated, urging drivers to avoid unnecessary trips.
The economic ripple effects were immediate, with retail sectors in places like Paramus and Woodbridge seeing canceled shopping excursions and potential supply chain delays for essentials like milk and bread, which had flown off shelves preemptively. Farmers in rural Sussex and Warren counties worried about livestock exposed to the elements, prompting agricultural extension services to offer guidance on protective measures.
Looking ahead, forecasters predicted a gradual easing of conditions by Tuesday, but with lingering cold and possible flurries. The state of emergency, invoked by Gov. Sherrill, allows for federal aid if damages exceed thresholds, a process that could unfold over the coming weeks. Insurance experts anticipate a surge in claims for property damage from fallen branches and roof collapses under the snow's weight.
This blizzard serves as a stark reminder of New Jersey's vulnerability to winter extremes, especially in an era of changing climate patterns that some scientists link to more intense storms. While no fatalities were reported as of Monday morning, the focus now shifts to recovery, with communities banding together to dig out and restore normalcy. Officials continue to monitor the situation, promising updates as power returns and roads reopen.
In the broader Northeast context, neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania reported similar woes, with New York City under its own travel advisory and Philadelphia bracing for up to 10 inches. The regional impact underscores the interconnected nature of such events, where one state's storm becomes a shared challenge.