N.J. Faces Double Winter Storms: Up to 4 Inches of Snow Expected

New Jersey is bracing for a challenging weekend as double winter storms are set to impact the state. The first storm will arrive on Saturday, bringing expected snowfall of 2 to 4 inches in several northern counties. This will be followed by a second storm on Sunday, which may add 1 to 2 inches of snow, especially in the southern regions.

Winter Storm Forecast for New Jersey

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for counties including Morris, Sussex, Warren, and western Passaic. This advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. on Saturday. The forecast indicates that the heaviest snow accumulations will occur north of Interstate 78.

Details of the Snowfall

• Saturday’s Storm: Expected snowfall of 2 to 4 inches in northern counties.
• Area of Concern: North of Interstate 78 will experience the heaviest impact.
• Snowfall Rates: Over 1 inch per hour possible from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

For counties located between Interstate 78 and Interstate 95, snowfall will be capped at about 1 inch or less. Areas to the south of Interstate 95 are predicted to experience warmer temperatures, leading to a changeover from snow to rain by mid-morning. Little to no accumulation is expected in these regions.

Sunday’s Conditions

On Sunday, light snow is forecasted primarily for areas south and east of Interstate 95 as a coastal storm approaches the Jersey Shore. The snow is expected to begin early in the morning and continue through the early evening.

• Expected Snowfall: Up to 2 inches is possible south and east of I-95.
• Higher Totals: Some locations in Atlantic, Cape May, southwestern Burlington, and southern Ocean Counties may see totals over 2 inches.
• Advisory Uncertainty: A 30% chance for more than 2 inches exists, particularly in the aforementioned counties.

The NWS cautions that there may be mixing with rain at the start of the storm, which could affect snow accumulation along the coast. Following the winter storms, New Jersey can anticipate a prolonged period of below-normal temperatures from Sunday night through Wednesday. This cold snap will peak Monday night into Tuesday, with wind chills expected to drop into the single digits.

Cold Conditions Ahead

Tuesday will be notably harsh, with daytime temperatures barely surpassing the 20s across the state. Wind chills will enhance the cold sensation, pushing temperatures into the low teens in many areas.

Long-Term Forecast

By Wednesday, a slight warming trend is expected, with temperatures rising toward more seasonable levels. By Thursday, readings could even exceed normal temperatures but will drop back again due to an incoming cold front.

Notably, a shift in the jet stream later next week could increase the likelihood of additional snow and ice storms for New Jersey. AccuWeather’s long-range forecast suggests that this adjustment may allow for significant weather systems to spread across the central and eastern United States.