NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill on "Generational Storm" Blizzard Conditions and Response

Blizzard Impact and Severity

• ❄️ Governor Mikie Sherrill describes the current storm as a "generational storm," unprecedented in 30 years, following a major blizzard less than a month prior.
• 📈 Snowfall has reached up to 2 feet in areas like Freehold, with Perth Amboy expected to reach similar levels.
• ⚠️ Dangerous road conditions, including downed tree branches and utility lines, along with whiteout conditions, led to an extended travel ban until noon.

Power Restoration Efforts

• ⚡ Over 5,000 utility workers are actively engaged in restoring power to over 100,000 residents who have already had power restored.
• 🚧 Significant numbers of people still remain without power, with crews working to reach them, especially in areas with deep snow drifts.

New Jersey Transit Status

• 🚆 New Jersey Transit services (rail, bus, light rail) are fully suspended due to power outages and snow-covered tracks.
• ⏳ The resumption of service is unclear, with priorities including restoring power to transit systems, clearing heavy rail lines, and enabling transit workers to reach their jobs.
• 🗓️ Governor Sherrill is in continuous meetings with NJ Transit to establish and communicate timelines for service restoration.

Travel Ban Decision-Making

• 🚁 The decision to extend the travel ban was based on continuous updates from the National Weather Service regarding heavy, wet snow, high winds, and dangerous road conditions.
• 🌨️ Reports from state cameras, plowing crews, and salting crews indicated whiteout and blizzard conditions, with some plows forced to pull over due to visibility issues.
• ⚠️ The travel ban is a dual assessment of clearing progress and current/projected dangerous weather conditions, emphasizing that roads will not be fully cleared by noon.

Public Safety Advisory

• 🏠 Residents are urged to stay home and stay safe, as crews work to restore essential services and clear roads.
• 🚗 Even if state roads are cleared, many municipal roads will remain impassable, advising against travel for those without suitable vehicles for snowy conditions.