Monster storm brings heavy snow, treacherous travel to New Jersey
Snow fell fast and sideways throughout the morning in New Jersey, quickly accumulating several inches.
MAHWAH, New Jersey (WABC) -- A powerful winter storm blanketed New Jersey with heavy, wind-driven snow on Sunday, creating whiteout conditions and increasingly dangerous travel conditions.
Snow fell fast and sideways throughout the morning in Mahwah, Bergen County, quickly accumulating to more than 14 inches by the end of the day. The snow was dense and heavy, making it difficult to distinguish roads from sidewalks and increasing the risk for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Road conditions deteriorated rapidly over several hours, prompting New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to declare a state of emergency and urge residents to stay home if possible.
"When I see vehicles, I encourage everyone who doesn't have to be out, do not get out on the roads," Sherrill said.
Plow trucks were a constant presence along Route 17, moving in steady waves to keep major roadways clear. Despite aggressive plowing, officials warned that bitter cold temperatures were limiting the effectiveness of road salt.
Michael Pierro, who owns a snowplow company that clears nearly 300 bank parking lots across the state, said conditions worsened as the storm intensified.
"The roads are starting to deteriorate," Pierro said. "Salting isn't doing much because it's so cold. As soon as salt is applied, it just gets covered back up."
Mahwah's mayor and local officials echoed those concerns, confirming that roughly five to six inches of snow had already fallen. The township's Department of Public Works had approximately 35 plows and sanders in operation, assisted by multiple New Jersey Department of Transportation trucks.
A ride along with Mahwah DPW Director Glen Dawson highlighted the difficulty crews faced keeping up with the rapid snowfall.
"The snow is coming down so hard," Dawson said. "Everything's freezing up - the windshield, the equipment - and later on, the roads are going to freeze as well."
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Despite the hazardous conditions, some businesses remained open. The State Line Diner stayed operational, though staffing was limited after several employees called out due to the weather.
"We usually have about 40 waitresses," the owner said. "Today, we had six call out."
Some drivers still ventured out, including diner regular Rachel Melling, who drove in from Hackensack.
"I don't mind driving in the snow," she said. "It's everyone else you have to watch out for - some people drive like the roads are dry."
As plow convoys continued to pass through the area, streams of cars followed cautiously behind, keeping distance from the trucks as crews worked to clear the roads.
Officials continued to stress that drivers should stay off the roads unless necessary. For those who must travel, they are urged to slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, especially plows, and remain alert as snow and falling temperatures threaten to worsen conditions through the day.
NJ Transit will begin a phased resumption of service on Monday, starting with all three rail lines: Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River LINE. The lines will operate on a weekday schedule at the start of the day.
Commuters should expect delays and possible cancellations.
Later in the morning and afternoon, NJ Transit will continue monitoring roadway conditions to support a gradual ramp-up of bus and Access Link service as conditions safely permit.
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