NJ Blizzard Alert: State of Emergency Declared as 12+ Inches of Snow Possible; Speed Limits Cut to 35 MPH, NJ Transit Bus and Light Rail Halted

A severe winter storm expected to bring blizzard conditions and heavy snow across New Jersey is triggering a statewide state of emergency, sweeping highway restrictions, and major transit disruptions starting Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.

New Jersey is forecast to see widespread snow accumulations exceeding 12 inches, with locally higher totals of 18 to 24 inches possible, along with wind gusts up to about 55 mph and the potential for coastal flooding, according to the governor’s emergency declaration.

What’s changing for travel

State of Emergency: Gov. Mikie Sherrill said New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency at 12 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22.

Speed limits lowered statewide: NJDOT Acting Commissioner Priya Jain issued an Emergency Traffic Regulation Order that temporarily lowers posted speed limits to 35 mph starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 on:

• All Interstate highways in New Jersey
• All U.S. and State highways in New Jersey
• New Jersey Turnpike
• Garden State Parkway
• Atlantic City Expressway

Commercial vehicle travel restrictions: NJDOT also announced commercial vehicle travel restrictions beginning 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 on several Interstates, including I-76, I-78, I-80, I-195, I-280, I-287, I-295, and I-676 (with additional details and exemptions outlined by the state).

NJ Transit service suspension

NJ Transit said it will temporarily suspend all bus, light rail, and Access Link service at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, with service remaining suspended until conditions allow for a safe, gradual resumption. NJ Transit also said rail service adjustments are expected later Sunday evening, with updates to be shared in advance.

What residents can do now

• Avoid unnecessary travel Sunday and Monday if possible, especially as plows and emergency crews work to keep roads passable.
• Check real-time road conditions on 511nj.org before heading out.
• Monitor NJ Transit alerts via njtransit.com or the NJ Transit app for service updates and the latest restart timeline.

This story will be updated as snowfall forecasts and operational impacts become clearer.