The Blizzard of 2026 in New York City, Tri-State area

New Jersey is facing its second major snowstorm in a month, and Governor Mikie Sherrill says this one is the biggest in nearly 30 years. Some towns, including Freehold, have already topped two feet of snow, with more still falling.

The governor extended the statewide travel ban until noon, citing whiteout conditions, falling tree branches, and downed power lines. Crews are working across the state, with more than 5,000 utility workers deployed and over 100,000 customers already restored, though many remain without power.

NJ Transit remains fully suspended across rail, bus, and light rail as teams work to restore power and clear tracks. Heavy rail lines will be the first to return, but there's no timeline yet.

Sherrill said the state prepared for days, knowing this storm would bring heavy, wet snow and dangerous winds - very different from last month's storm. Some plows even had to pull off the roads overnight due to zero visibility.

The governor urged residents to stay home, noting that even when the statewide ban lifts, many local roads will remain buried.

Governor Mikie Sherrill provides update on blizzard conditions in New Jersey.

Eyewitness News reporter Michelle Charlesworth spent the morning along Ocean Avenue in Belmar, where waves pounded the shoreline and snow blew sideways for hours.

Plows worked nonstop, but the heavy gusts kept covering the roads almost as fast as crews cleared them. One driver spent the better part of the morning digging out his SUV, only to have plows bury it again.

Earlier in Neptune Township, residents described the storm as "nothing but white snow" since late Sunday night. Many workers were stuck pulling long shifts just trying to keep up with the conditions.

Michelle Charlesworth reports from Belmar on the blizzard.

Prospect Heights woke up to blizzard conditions this morning, but New Yorkers still turned Prospect Park into a winter playground.

Jaysha Patel reports from Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

Long Island took a direct hit from this powerful winter storm, with Rockville Centre buried under fierce winds, sideways snow, and nearzero visibility for much of the morning.

Streets were empty, businesses were closed, and even finding a cup of coffee proved impossible as conditions deteriorated.

Driving remained extremely difficult, and officials repeatedly urged residents to stay off the roads.

Phil Taitt reports from Rockville Centre on the blizzard.