Winter Weather Alert Monday Night through Tuesday

Use caution when driving tonight through Tuesday; A coastal storm expected to affect the morning commute

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials are implementing winter weather protocols based on the forecasted coastal storm, which is expected to bring snow, rain, and strong winds to the state beginning tonight, Monday, March 13, and continuing through Tuesday, March 14.

The storm may result in treacherous driving conditions in parts of the state for the morning commute. Precipitation is expected to continue through the afternoon commute.

NJDOT is prepared and coordinating our response with our regional transportation partners to ensure the safety of all travelers. The Department has more than 3,000 plows and spreaders ready to be activated statewide wherever needed. In addition, the Department and our transportation partners are prepared for possible flooding in South Jersey from heavy rain.

The NJ State Police and the NJ Office of Emergency Management are actively monitoring this weather event to coordinate any resource needs of our local, county, state, and federal partners.

Motorists should consider working from home if that is an option. If you must drive, slow down, use caution, and plan extra travel time, particularly during the Tuesday morning commute as roads may be slippery.

In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow and ice, motorists should avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, motorists are advised to:

SLOW DOWN
Always STAY CLEAR of plowing and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass
DO NOT pass between trucks that are in a plow formation
Allow extra travel time
Leave a safe following distance between vehicles
Use caution on bridges and ramps, which freeze before road surfaces
If you are driving and road conditions deteriorate, PULL OFF somewhere safe and wait it out
Be patient and use caution
Keep an emergency kit in your car with a cell phone charger, water, snacks, a blanket, and other items. See the NJ Office of Emergency Management website for more information: http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/winter.shtml

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide updates. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and updates, follow us on the NJDOT Facebook page or on Twitter @NewJerseyDOT.