Governor Mikie Sherrill has declared a State of Emergency for NJ starting 5 PM Saturday

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, New Jersey is bracing for a historic winter wallop. In one of her first major tests since taking office, Governor Mikie Sherrill has declared a State of Emergency for all 21 counties, effective at 5:00 p.m. today, Saturday, January 24, 2026.

With meteorologists predicting snowfall totals not seen in New Jersey for nearly a decade, the Governor is urging residents to take this threat seriously. “This is not an average storm,” Sherrill warned during a briefing at the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center. “We are tough, but we need to be prepared.”

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The Forecast: 18 Inches and 30 MPH Gusts

The storm is expected to intensify rapidly Saturday evening, with the heaviest impact felt throughout Sunday, January 25.

• North Jersey: Expect 12 to 18 inches, with the Northwest corner likely seeing the highest accumulations.

• South Jersey: Expect 8 to 12 inches.

• Conditions: Heavy, widespread snow combined with wind gusts up to 30 mph and prolonged freezing temperatures will make travel nearly impossible.

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Travel Restrictions: Stay Off the Roads

To keep plows moving and residents safe, a commercial vehicle restriction begins at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, January 25. The ban includes tractor-trailers, empty CDL-weighted trucks, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles pulling trailers on the following major highways:

• I-78, I-80, I-280, I-287 (North Jersey)

• I-195, I-295, I-76, I-676 (Central/South Jersey)

• Route 440 (Outerbridge Crossing to I-287)

Governor’s Advice: “Don’t make any Monday plans. We may still be digging out then.”

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Emergency Checklist: What to Do Now

Before the snow starts sticking Saturday evening, the Governor’s office recommends taking these immediate steps:

• Gas Up: Fill your car’s gas tank now.

• Charge Up: Ensure all cell phones and backup batteries are at 100%.

• Stay Put: Plan to be indoors by 5:00 p.m. Saturday and remain home all day Sunday.

• Check on Neighbors: Ensure elderly neighbors have heat and supplies.

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Stay Informed

For real-time updates and safety protocols, residents should monitor:

• Official Safety Info: Ready.NJ.gov

• North Jersey/NY Metro Weather: NWS New York

• South Jersey/Philly Weather: NWS Mount Holly

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