Blizzard Conditions Batter New Jersey Shore Towns

Coastal areas see heavy snow, power outages, and travel disruptions as winter storm hits the region.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A major blizzard has been pummeling the New Jersey shore, with coastal towns experiencing extreme cold temperatures, heavy snowfall reaching up to 24 inches, power outages affecting thousands, and travel bans being implemented across the state. Municipalities like Manasquan, Brick, Wall, Point Pleasant Beach, Belmar, and Lake Como have all reported significant impacts, including moderate coastal flooding, downed power lines and trees, and ongoing restoration efforts by utility crews.

Why it matters

The blizzard conditions have created dangerous situations for residents and travelers in the affected shore towns, with power outages, hazardous travel, and the potential for property damage. The storm highlights the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme winter weather events, which are expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change.

The details

The blizzard began on Sunday, February 22, prompting travel bans and the closure of Garden State Parkway exits across New Jersey. As of Monday morning, many areas had seen over 20 inches of snow, with Manasquan experiencing moderate coastal flooding along beachfront avenues. Hundreds of residents remain without power, and emergency crews have responded to numerous reports of downed power lines and trees. Municipalities have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid downed wires, and clear snow once conditions improve.

  • The blizzard conditions began on Sunday, February 22.
  • Travel bans were put into effect across the state on February 22.
  • As of Monday, February 23, snow accumulation reached up to 24 inches in some areas.
  • Power outages and other impacts were ongoing as of Monday morning, February 23.
  • Travel bans were lifted in New Jersey as of 1 p.m. on February 23.

The players

Manasquan

A coastal borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey that experienced moderate flooding and power outages affecting 250 residents.

Brick

A township in Ocean County, New Jersey that saw power outages, including at traffic light intersections.

Wall Township

A municipality in Monmouth County, New Jersey that reported downed wires and trees across the town.

Point Pleasant Beach

A borough in Ocean County, New Jersey that saw around 400 power outages due to strong overnight winds.

Belmar

A borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey that issued alerts urging residents to stay indoors and avoid downed power lines.

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What they’re saying

“We must take precautions when shoveling, following many calls for wires down. Many of the downed power lines are currently covered in snow and not visible.”

— Office of Emergency Management

“Outages should be reported to Jersey Central Power & Light, a recommendation applicable for all municipalities.”

— Brick Police Department (Facebook)

“Restoration times remain unknown until crews assess the damage.”

— Doug Vitale, Mayor of Point Pleasant Beach

What’s next

As the blizzard conditions continue to subside, municipalities will work to assess the full extent of the damage and restore power to affected residents. Residents are advised to continue to avoid downed power lines and clear snow from their properties once it is safe to do so.

The takeaway

This blizzard highlights the increasing vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme winter weather events, which are expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change. The storm's impacts on power, transportation, and infrastructure underscore the need for coastal towns to invest in resilience measures and emergency preparedness to protect their residents.