OCEAN COUNTY – New Jersey is expected to see a fast-moving winter storm this weekend, with forecasters now predicting a widespread 1 to 4 inches of snow across the state.
The National Weather Service says snow will begin Saturday night and continue into Sunday morning before an Arctic blast brings dangerous cold and biting wind chills.
Meteorologists say some southern and coastal areas could see a brief mix of rain and snow before precipitation quickly turns to all snow. The heaviest snowfall is likely between midnight and daybreak Sunday, with totals of 2 to 4 inches possible along and south of Interstate 95 — including the Jersey Shore and southern counties. Northern and northwestern regions are forecast to receive 1 to 2 inches.
Forecasters caution that totals could shift depending on the speed of the system.
Snow is expected to taper from west to east by late Sunday morning into early afternoon as frigid air sweeps in. Winds will strengthen Sunday, with gusts of 25 to 30 mph potentially blowing snow and reducing visibility.
The cold will intensify Sunday night into Monday, with wind chills dropping into the single digits and some northern areas nearing zero. Overnight lows will fall into the teens for much of the state, with Monday expected to remain below freezing statewide. Gusty winds between 20 and 25 mph will make it feel even colder.
Temperatures will slowly begin to rise Tuesday and Wednesday, though conditions will stay below normal. A notable warm-up is expected Thursday, when milder air could push temperatures into the 50s. Rain is possible later in the day.
