Update, 1/24/16, 12:10 a.m.: The snow has largely stopped falling, and temperatures today are expected to be in the low 30s with sunny skies.
The National Weather Service updated its blizzard forecast for New York/New Jersey region at 4:41 p.m. Saturday — and it’s not over yet.
The blizzard — aka Winter Storm Jonas — will continue to impact our area with heavy snow and potentially damaging winds, according to the alert.
When all is said and done, Essex County and surrounding areas could see a total accumulation of more than two feet of snow and possibly up to 30 inches.
Winds of 25-35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph will cause blowing and drifting that will make for nearly zero visibility, and may cause downed power lines and tree limbs. Temps will be in the mid 20s.
Travel is extremely dangerous, with whiteout conditions likely and secondary and tertiary roads possibly impassable. NJ Transit is shut down until further notice.
Gary Szatkowski, meteorologist-in-charge at the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office, said “the storm will likely set the bar for future storms,” according to NJ.com.
South Jersey has borne the brunt of the storm in some ways, with coastal towns and barrier islands experiencing record flooding and many people without power. The storm is expected to cause three to five feet of storm surge during tonight’s high tide as well, said NJ.com
Meanwhile, New York City is at a virtual standstill, with Mayor Bill de Blasio calling it “very likely one of the worst snowstorms in our history,” according the The New York Times.
There is a travel ban in and around the city, major parts of the subway system are shut down, and de Blasio asked businesses to close and said that drivers caught on the city’s streets would be “subject to arrest.”
Stay tuned to The Village Green for updates tonight and tomorrow. And stay safe!
