Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency in Preparation for Winter Storm

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions in Place on Multiple Interstate Highways Beginning 5:00 P.M. Tonight

TRENTON – Today, Governor Phil Murphy declared that New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency effective at 5:00 p.m., in preparation for a winter storm forecasted to impact the state with severe weather conditions starting tonight, Friday January 28, through the afternoon of Saturday, January 29. Executive Order No. 285 declares a State of Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey, allowing resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm.

“The anticipated winter storm is forecasted to bring heavy snowfall and high wind gusts statewide, with blizzard conditions in some areas of New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “Road crews will be deployed throughout the state for salting and snow plowing purposes. Residents should take extreme caution, stay off the roads, remain vigilant, and follow all safety protocols. ”

“Troopers are ready to assist residents and commuters throughout the state, both on and off of the highways, for the duration of the storm should they be needed," said New Jersey State Police Superintendent and State Director of Emergency Management Colonel Patrick Callahan. "We cannot do it without you, and we ask you stay off the roads if possible so plow crews can do their jobs. Please use caution when traveling and prepare an emergency kit for use at home and for your vehicle. Don’t forget to check on your neighbors and lend a hand if you are able.”

“Road conditions are expected to be treacherous with heavy snow and high winds that could cause white out conditions, particularly along the shore,” said NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “Please stay off the roads to allow our crews to do their work safely. If you do have to be on the road – slow down and move over for highway crews, emergency responders, tow trucks, and disabled vehicles. It’s the law.”

“We are facing a very serious storm with the potential for a significant number of power outages due to forecasted substantial snow and high winds” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso. “Our only goal is to keep New Jerseyans safe, secure and warm during this time. We are constantly in touch with the utilities to monitor outages and their performance. We will make sure enough crews are deployed in the right places to minimize potential outages. If you lose power we urge you to call your utility to report it. Don’t count on anyone else reporting it for you. Lastly, I urge everyone to stay clear of downed power lines to avoid any unnecessary tragedies.

Commercial vehicle restrictions will be in place as of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28 on multiple interstate highways. More information can be found here.

The Governor encourages New Jerseyans to visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information. Residents should also pay attention to local forecasts, warnings, and watches.

For those living in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area, visit the U.S. National Weather Service New York, N.Y. at http://www.weather.gov/okx/

For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey, visit the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly at https://www.weather.gov/phi/ For a copy of Executive Order No. 285, please click here.