2-23-2026 1:14pm

Blizzard in Morristown: Heavy Snow, High Winds, and a Statewide Travel Restriction

Chris Connors Editor

With blizzard conditions expected through Monday evening, officials are urging residents to stay off the roads as crews work to clear snow and restore service.

Morristown and much of Morris County remained under a Blizzard Warning through 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, as a major winter storm continued to bring heavy snow, blowing snow, and wind gusts capable of rapidly reducing visibility and making travel dangerous.

How much snow Morristown can expect

The National Weather Service forecast for the area called for storm totals around 10 to 14 inches in Morris County, with additional snowfall of roughly 4 to 6 inches possible Monday as the system continues to move through. Strong winds, with gusts around 45 mph, are expected to keep conditions hazardous even when snowfall rates ease.

State of emergency and travel restriction

Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a statewide State of Emergency effective noon Sunday, Feb. 22, activating emergency management resources ahead of the storm.

New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Management and State Police also issued a mandatory travel restriction for non-exempt vehicles that began 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, and has been extended until 12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, as conditions remained dangerous. Under the restriction, all non-exempt vehicles are prohibited from operating on state, county, municipal, and interstate roadways, with the New Jersey Turnpike exempt.

Speed limits reduced on major highways

To reduce crashes and keep roads passable for plows and emergency vehicles, NJDOT issued an emergency traffic regulation lowering posted speed limits to 35 mph on Interstate and State highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway, starting Sunday afternoon.

NJ Transit disruptions

NJ Transit imposed widespread service suspensions as the storm intensified. Officials said bus, light rail, and Access Link service were temporarily suspended beginning 6 p.m. Sunday, with rail service later suspended and resumption dependent on when conditions are safe for crews and customers. Riders were urged to check NJ Transit for the latest updates and recovery service plans.

What residents should do right now

Avoid unnecessary travel until restrictions lift and roads are cleared, especially with low visibility and drifting snow continuing through Monday.
Give plows and emergency vehicles room and expect delays even after restrictions end, since side streets and parking areas may take longer to clear.
Plan for cleanup hazards: shovel in stages, take breaks, and watch for ice under fresh snow.
Use safe heating practices: keep generators outdoors and away from windows, and never run grills or gas stoves for heat indoors.