Friday PM Update: New Jersey Declares State of Emergency In Advance of Storm

It will be a tale of two New Jersey setups this weekend, as winter storm impacts are expected to be severe across the entire state.

The National Weather Service has placed essentially the entire state under a Winter Storm Warning, as heavy snow and ice impacts are becoming clearer for this weekend.

Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency for the entire state Friday afternoon.

"I'm urging New Jerseyans to make plans to avoid travel Saturday evening and all day. Sunday. I'm also announcing a commercial vehicle travel restriction on interstate highways as a safety precaution to prevent incidents that could delay first responders and impede our plowing efforts," Sherrill said.

In the southern half of the state, "Heavy snow and mixed precipitation are expected," with snow accumulations between 8 and 12 inches anticipated. The Warning is in effect for 7 p.m. Saturday, through 1 p.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service also anticipates "significant ice accumulation" that could cause many issues with power lines and downed trees.

In the Northern part of the state, anywhere from 12-18 inches of snow is expected, with less freezing rain to lower those totals.

During the day on Sunday, snowfall rates are expected to be in the 1-2 inches per hour range.

Along the coast, a Small Craft Advisory and Freezing Spray Advisory is in effect through Saturday morning, and a Gale Watch is in effect all of Sunday.

Because of heavy snow accumulations across the state, widespread closures are expected across most roadways.

Updates from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management: