Heavy snowfall triggers first statewide Blizzard Warning in New Jersey since 1996

Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency on February 22, 2026, as blizzard warnings covered the entire state of New Jersey for the first time since 1996.

Heavy snowfall was reported across northern New Jersey from the evening of Saturday, February 22, into the morning of Sunday, February 23, with the highest totals in Bergen and Union counties.

Leonia (Bergen County) recorded 330 mm (13 inches) of snow, followed by Carlstadt with 325 mm (12.8 inches) and Ridgefield with 307 mm (12.1 inches). Totals ranged from 127–183 mm (5–7.2 inches) across River Edge, Northvale, River Vale, Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Rutherford, and Little Ferry, according to the National Weather Service.

In Essex County, Newark reported 254 mm (10 inches), with 229 mm (9 inches) in Glen Ridge and 191 mm (7.5 inches) in Nutley.

Snowfall in Union County reached 300 mm (11.8 inches) in Cranford and 282 mm (11.1 inches) at Newark Airport, based on official National Weather Service observations. Totals in Hudson and Passaic counties ranged from 89 to 191 mm (3.5–7.5 inches), with Harrison recording 191 mm (7.5 inches).

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) reduced the speed limit to 57 km/h (35 mph) on Interstate and State highways on February 22 until further notice. The New Jersey State Police imposed a mandatory travel restriction from 21:00 LT on February 22 to 07:00 LT on February 23, with the New Jersey Turnpike exempt.

Meanwhile, NJ Transit suspended all rail service by 21:00 LT and bus, light rail, and Access Link services by 18:00 LT on February 22.

“Service will remain suspended through the beginning of the service day on February 23, until conditions allow for the gradual resumption of service,” said NJ Transit.

The same storm brought a citywide travel ban and a State of Emergency to New York City. Snowfall totals reached 35.6 cm (14 inches) on Staten Island and 23.6 cm (9.3 inches) in Central Park, as the city declared the first traditional “snow day” since 2019.

Read more:

References:

¹ Public Information Statement – NWS – February 23, 2026

² Blizzard warning – NWS – February 23, 2026

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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