NJ weather: State of emergency in 5 counties as snow, sleet, and ice snarl Tuesday; what to know about school closures and the weather tomorrow

New Jersey is dealing with its first disruptive winter storm of the season today, Tuesday, December 2, with a state of emergency in effect for portions of the northwest. A wintry mix—snow, sleet, and pockets of freezing rain—is creating slick travel for the morning and midday, with the heaviest impacts north and west of I-287. Coastal and southern areas lean wetter than whiter, but quick bursts of snow are still possible on the front and back ends of the system. This weather forecast also looks ahead to the weather tomorrow (Wednesday) as conditions settle and refreeze concerns emerge overnight.

State of emergency NJ: where and why

A targeted state of emergency in NJ covers five northwest counties due to hazardous travel and the potential for downed limbs and localized power issues as ice mixes in. Officials cite reduced visibility, rapidly changing road conditions, and temperatures hovering near freezing as the key risks during the morning push and again after sunset if surfaces refreeze.

Counties under emergency: Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren.

Travel tip: If you must drive, plan extra time, leave generous stopping distance, and watch for black ice on bridges and untreated back roads. Crews are focusing first on primary routes and hills.

Will it snow tomorrow? Timeline for today and Wednesday

Today (Tue, Dec 2):

• North & West (Sussex/Warren/Passaic high terrain): Snow to wintry mix through late morning, occasional lulls midday, then light additional snow/sleet into late afternoon. 2–5 inches typical, up to ~6 inches on colder ridges where mixing is limited.

• I-80/I-287 corridor & central North Jersey: Periods of wet snow changing to sleet/rain, then tapering during the afternoon. Coating to 2 inches on colder surfaces, slushier totals where sleet dominates.

• NJ Turnpike corridor to the Shore/South: Predominantly rain with brief snow at onset or end; minor slushy coatings possible on grassy/untreated spots north of I-195.

Tonight: Precipitation winds down. Temperatures slide below freezing inland after dark. Refreeze of slush and puddles is the main hazard—icy patches likely by early Wednesday.

Weather for tomorrow (Wed, Dec 3):

• Statewide: Dry and brighter with a chilly breeze. Highs mainly mid-30s to near 40 (ET). Side streets and sidewalks may stay slick early. No accumulating snow is expected tomorrow, but any leftover moisture could glaze before a gradual midday thaw.

NJ school closings and delays: what’s changed

With snow and ice in the mix this morning, NJ school closings and delayed openings have been announced in parts of North Jersey and the higher elevations. Many districts opted for 2-hour delays to allow plows and salt trucks to catch up and to reduce early bus travel on untreated routes. A smaller number moved to full closure where sleet and freezing rain lingered longer than forecast.

If you’re a parent or staff member, check:

• Your district’s website or robocall/text system for final decisions.

• After-school activities; several districts are pre-cancelling evening events due to a potential refreeze after sunset.

Note: School closures tomorrow (Wednesday) are not widely expected at this time since the storm exits tonight; however, isolated adjustments are possible if refreeze issues are significant early.

How much snow and where: quick look

Totals vary sharply over short distances depending on how quickly sleet/rain mix in. A 3–5 mile shift in the rain-snow line can halve or double outcomes; treat ranges as guidance, not guarantees.

Accuweather-style details without the fluff

• Temperatures: 28–32° early north/west; 33–38° elsewhere, edging above freezing by midday except in the hills.

• Wind: E/NE 10–20 mph with higher gusts near the coast; easing and turning NW tonight.

• Visibility: Drops to ½–1 mile in heavier snow bands; quickly improves where changeover occurs.

• Marine/coast: Choppy seas and minor splash-over possible during onshore gusts; coastal flooding generally minor.

WFMZ/Lehigh Valley tie-in

If you commute between North Jersey and the Lehigh Valley, conditions west of the Delaware River started snowier, supporting the WFMZ weather audience profile: higher early-AM snow rates tapering to a mix by late morning. Expect better roads east of the river sooner, but elevated ramps can lag.

What to do now

• Morning: Delay nonessential trips in the northwest counties. If you must drive, clear all windows/roof and use low beams in heavier snow.

• Afternoon: Watch for slushy ruts turning slick as temps dip; sidewalks and parking lots freeze first.

• Evening/Overnight: Salt/sand steps and driveways; bring pets and packages in before refreeze.

• Schools: Re-check communication channels after 6:00 a.m. Wednesday for any spot delays.

NJ weather today and tomorrow

Today’s NJ weather brings a manageable but messy early-season storm, with the worst impacts focused on the northwest under the state of emergency NJ designation. Expect plowable snow mainly in the hills, a sloppy mix in the suburbs, and a chilly rain farther south and along the Shore. Will it snow tomorrow? Not likely for most—Wednesday turns drier and brighter—but early black ice is a good bet. Keep the layers handy, give road crews room, and plan on a standard schedule resuming midweek.