NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill on Extended Travel Ban Due to Severe Winter Storm

Winter Storm Impact and Travel Ban Extension

• ❄️ New Jersey is under a state of emergency and a travel ban has been extended until at least noon due to severe winter storm conditions.
• ⚠️ Governor Mikie Sherrill stated that roads are not safe due to whiteout conditions, heavy snowfall, and strong wind gusts causing reduced visibility.
• 🌲 The heavy snow is also causing trees and branches to fall, leading to ongoing tree cutting and removal operations.

Road Conditions and Safety

• 🛣️ Even after the travel ban is lifted, back roads may not be passable and could remain unplowed, making travel difficult and dangerous.
• 🚗 Vehicles without four-wheel drive may struggle with the conditions, reinforcing the advice to stay home.
• 🌨️ Some areas, like Freehold, have already received 24 inches of snow, with more intense snowfall and potential for another 6 inches down the shore.

Priorities: Safety, Power Restoration, and Road Clearing

• 🚨 The top priority is keeping people safe and ensuring roads are plowed and safe for travel.
• 💡 Utility companies have deployed over 5,000 workers to restore power, successfully bringing over 100,000 people back online despite challenging conditions.
• 🗺️ Efforts are underway to clear roads and restore power in areas with significant snowfall, impacting all 21 counties which were under a blizzard warning.