Southern New Jersey Heavy Snow

The winter storm continues at this hour for Southern New Jersey. Temperatures have really dropped since the snow began. There is no doubt that this storm is colder than what the models had projected as there has been no mixing even in the far southern counties. Burlington County is checking in at 25 degrees. Even Atlantic City is checking in at 27 degrees. So this now is appearing drier than what had expected at that is leading to some higher snow ratios. In addition, the accumulation is also appearing to be aided by the colder temperatures as even the paved surfaces are taking on snow.

The gradient is fairly sharp, with snow generally south of Interstate 195. I will be watching an area of snow around Allentown, Pennsylvania. This could give the Interstate 195 Corridor a period of snow which may drop a coating. The big band of course extends through Southern New Jersey. But within the band, there has been a prevalent band running right through Salem, Northern Cumberland, and Atlantic Counties.

Thousands Still Out of Power

Power outages this morning continue across Central and Southern New Jersey. The trees are loaded with the heavy, wet snow. The weight of the snow and ice is really taking a huge toll on the trees and wires. We have a few things going on here as explained by the utility companies. The earlier rain helped form a coating of ice around the lines. This has allowed this wet snow to stick easier to the wires. Therefore the weight has taken them down without a falling branch or tree. Second, the snow and ice surrounding the wires can sometimes interrupt the flow of electricity and cause shorts. Finally, the trees and tree branches are coming down with the weight. I would also believe that a car could slam into a pole and that could also cause an outage.

Snowfall totals were impressive. 10-15 inches (as mapped out here yesterday morning) seemed to be common in many places...with some areas exceeding that. At the shore...it was less...but still I don't think snow lovers in Atlantic City this season have been dissapointed! I will have full details later this morning.

Many schools are closed this morning with a handful of delays. Even many colleges are closed today.

Snow To End

The snow will end soon across New Jersey, likely within the next two or three hours.

The power outages continues to increase with several thousand now without power. The weight of the snow and ice is really taking a huge toll on the trees and wires. We have a few things going on here as explained by the utility companies. The earlier rain helped form a coating of ice around the lines. This has allowed this wet snow to stick easier to the wires. Therefore the weight has taken them down without a falling branch or tree. Second, the snow and ice surrounding the wires can sometimes interrupt the flow of electricity and cause shorts. Finally, the trees and tree branches are coming down with the weight. I would also believe that a car could slam into a pole and that could also cause an outage. Anyhow, this snow will not be going anywhere until a few hours after sunrise, so even when the snow stops….more things could give way. The snow, as television reports have reported on, has taken these wires and has buried them. This can make it challenging for snow plow operators.

The upward-vertical motion continues to produce thunderstorms. This has now shifted a bit towards Monmouth County and New York City. Over 150 lightning strikes have been reported with this system which is absolutely impressive. These thunderstorms have produced snowfall rates of up to four inches per hour. The snowfall rates of this intensity have made it almost impossible to maintain a passable roadway in many areas. Some cloud to ground strikes were reported which even more of a rare phenomenon.

We are going to hopefully see an end to the snowfall within the next few hours. It is becoming less and less persistent in Eastern Pennsylvania and this drying trend should extend into New Jersey in the next few hours. However, I am not going to rule out a persistent band trying to linger to 4:00 a.m. in the morning, especially in Burlington, Ocean, Middlesex, and Monmouth Counties.

Snowy and Windy...

Strong-upward vertical motion continues to produce thunderstorms across our region.

First we will hit the power outages. The latest outage maps are beginning to show a noticeable increase in power outages across New Jersey. This will become more and more of an issue as the wet snow piles up. The wet snow, ice, and sleet on the trees makes for the perfect combination. Our area has pine trees which love to come down in these conditions. Wires may become buried in the snowfall, so please be careful. I already saw some video of this tonight on our local stations.

Snowfall rates continue to be ranging from one to four inches per hour. Less down towards Cape May. We are starting to see the back-edge of this storm, but this is still several hours away from Philadelphia.

Windy conditions also continue. Winds continue to be sustained between 15 and 25 MPH with gusts to 40 MPH. This is causing near-blizzard conditions.

Considerable blowing and drifting snow will be likely on Thursday.

Heavy Snow Over Us Now