A major winter storm swept across the Northeast late Friday, bringing heavy snow, ice, and strong winds that prompted emergency declarations in both New York and New Jersey and disrupted travel during one of the busiest post-holiday weekends of the year.
The fast-moving system delivered a hazardous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, creating dangerous road conditions and widespread travel delays as it intensified across the region. Weather officials warned that some areas could experience snowfall totals exceeding initial forecasts, particularly in higher elevations and northern counties.
Warnings and advisories were issued across much of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts as the storm expanded eastward. Forecasters cautioned that rapidly changing conditions would make travel increasingly difficult, especially during evening hours and overnight.
In New York, emergency officials warned residents to prepare for one of the most significant snow events in recent years. Certain parts of the state, including Long Island and the Hudson Valley, were forecast to receive some of the highest totals, with localized accumulations reaching up to a foot. In New York City, snowfall rates were expected to peak at two inches per hour, raising concerns about impassable roads and stalled emergency services.
Snow began falling across western portions of New York earlier in the day before spreading into the metropolitan area by evening. As temperatures hovered near freezing, precipitation in many regions was expected to transition between snow, sleet, and freezing rain, increasing the risk of ice accumulation on untreated surfaces.
In neighboring New Jersey, officials moved swiftly to activate emergency protocols across all 21 counties. A statewide emergency declaration took effect Friday afternoon, allowing state agencies to coordinate resources and respond quickly as conditions deteriorated.
Authorities warned that the storm posed a serious threat to holiday travelers and urged residents to avoid unnecessary trips. With many people returning home after Christmas gatherings, officials emphasized that road conditions could worsen rapidly, particularly in areas experiencing mixed precipitation.
Northern and central portions of New Jersey were placed under winter storm warnings, while southern counties were issued winter weather advisories. Forecasters predicted snow and sleet accumulations ranging from four to eight inches in much of the state, with higher totals possible in elevated areas. Some regions were also expected to see light ice glazing, compounding the danger.
Morris and Sussex counties were among the hardest hit, with forecasts calling for up to eight inches of snow and sleet, and isolated amounts approaching ten inches. Warren County faced similar conditions, while parts of Somerset, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties were expected to experience heavy mixed precipitation with sharp variations in accumulation over short distances.
During the storm’s most intense phase, precipitation rates were projected to exceed one to two inches per hour in northern areas. Visibility was expected to drop significantly as blowing snow and gusty winds combined to create near-whiteout conditions at times.
Transportation systems across the region were heavily impacted. Airlines cancelled more than 1,600 flights nationwide, with nearly 8,300 additional delays reported as airports struggled to manage icy runways and deicing operations. Major hubs serving the Northeast experienced cascading disruptions that rippled across the national air travel network.
On the ground, state transportation departments mobilized snowplows, salt trucks, and emergency crews in advance of the storm. In New Jersey, commercial vehicle restrictions were implemented on several major highways, including Interstates 78, 80, 280, and 287, as well as Route 440. The restrictions applied to tractor-trailers, empty commercial trucks, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles towing trailers.
Officials warned that the combination of heavy snow, ice, and wind could bring down trees and power lines, potentially causing scattered outages. Emergency planners cautioned that power disruptions could interfere with essential services and urged residents to ensure they had adequate supplies, including food, medications, and backup heating sources.
Emergency declarations in both states granted authorities expanded powers to manage the response. State emergency management officials were authorized to control traffic flow, coordinate evacuations if necessary, and use public facilities as shelters for displaced residents. Law enforcement agencies were placed on heightened alert to assist with road closures and emergency rescues.
Meteorologists stressed that bridges and overpasses would freeze first, making them particularly treacherous. Drivers were warned that even treated roads could quickly become slick as precipitation rates overwhelmed plowing and salting efforts.
In parts of southern Connecticut, northeastern New Jersey, and southeastern New York, snowfall totals of six to nine inches were expected, with the heaviest accumulation occurring between Friday evening and midnight. Conditions were forecast to remain hazardous into Saturday morning as cleanup efforts continued and temperatures remained below freezing.
Emergency officials urged residents to monitor official weather updates and preparedness resources for the latest information. They emphasized that conditions could change rapidly and that even short trips could become dangerous during the height of the storm.
As the system continued to move through the region, forecasters said lingering snow showers and icy conditions could persist into the weekend, potentially affecting additional travel plans. While the storm was expected to gradually weaken, officials cautioned that cleanup efforts would take time, particularly in areas with heavy accumulation and ice damage.
Authorities reiterated that public cooperation would be critical in minimizing injuries and disruptions. By staying off the roads when possible and allowing crews to clear highways and neighborhoods, officials said residents could help speed recovery and reduce the risk of accidents.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
