As earlier reported on our Status, Governor Phil Murphy today declared that New Jersey will enter a state of emergency beginning Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. in response to the expected winter storm.

The storm is anticipated to start in the late morning and hazardous conditions may continue through Thursday evening. Executive Order No. 208 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 Governor has also initiated a staggered closing for state offices beginning at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon. The early dismissal does not include weather-essential employees, who shall remain until the normal close of business. Private companies and businesses should dismiss their employees at their own discretion

“Heavy snow and high winds are expected in many parts of the state today,” said Governor Murphy. “Safety is our top priority. We ask that residents stay off of the roads as we deploy resources to clear snow.”
“New Jersey’s transportation agencies are prepared and ready for the storm. NJDOT, the Turnpike Authority and SJTA combined are activating nearly 4,000 plows and spreaders,” said Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “We ask the public to stay off the roads during the storm so our crews can do their jobs to get the highways clear.”

“Troopers throughout the state are ready to assist residents and commuters both on and off of the highways for the duration of this storm should the need arise,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “But we cannot do it without the help of our communities. Please use caution if you must travel and prepare emergency kits for use at home and in your vehicle.”

Parts of New Jersey are expected to experience heavy snow. To prepare for the winter storm, the New Jersey State Police will activate the State Emergency Operations Center in order to monitor the storm. The New Jersey Department of Transportation will also deploy nearly 4,000 plows and spreaders to keep roads and communities safe.