Blizzard Warning Issued Across Most of New Jersey

Forecasters predict up to 20 inches of snow and dangerous blizzard conditions this weekend.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and prolonged travel impacts across New Jersey this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for 17 of the state's 21 counties, with forecasts calling for 6 to 20+ inches of snow accumulation and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Coastal areas are also under a Coastal Flood Warning, with the potential for moderate flooding during high tide.

Why it matters

This storm has the potential to be one of the most significant winter weather events in recent memory for New Jersey, with the possibility of record-breaking snowfall, dangerous travel conditions, and coastal flooding. State and local officials are urging residents to prepare for power outages and to avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm.

The details

According to meteorologist Dan Zarrow, the storm system is expected to bring heavy snow and blizzard conditions to most of New Jersey starting Sunday afternoon and continuing through Monday. The heaviest snow is forecast for areas along the coast, where 14 to 20+ inches could accumulate, with 10 to 14 inches expected in the Turnpike corridor and 6 to 10 inches in northwestern parts of the state. In addition to the heavy snow, wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are expected, creating dangerous blizzard conditions with visibility dropping to a quarter-mile or less.

  • The storm is expected to arrive in New Jersey on Sunday morning, with light rain and snow spreading across the state.
  • Conditions will start to deteriorate by mid to late Sunday afternoon, with the brunt of the storm hitting Sunday evening and overnight.
  • Heavy snow of 1 to 2+ inches per hour, along with strong winds, will make travel dangerous or impossible on Sunday night and Monday morning.
  • The snow is expected to taper off by midday on Monday.
  • A second storm system is expected to bring additional light snow to New Jersey on Wednesday, with another potential storm system on Thursday night into Friday morning.

The players

Dan Zarrow

Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey, who has been providing detailed forecasts and updates on the impending winter storm.

National Weather Service

The federal agency that has issued blizzard warnings for 17 of New Jersey's 21 counties and a Coastal Flood Warning for the state's coastal areas.

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What they’re saying

“We are now about 12 hours away from the first snowflakes and raindrops arriving from the storm system that literally everyone is talking about. And all signs are still pointing to a high impact winter storm with widespread heavy snow, strong winds, and prolonged travel impacts across the Northeast U.S.”

— Dan Zarrow, Chief Meteorologist (catcountry1073.com)

“The National Weather Service has now issued blizzard warnings for 17 of New Jersey's 21 counties, all but Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, and Salem. They are in effect from midday Sunday through Monday evening.”

— Dan Zarrow, Chief Meteorologist (catcountry1073.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This storm has the potential to be one of the most significant winter weather events in recent memory for New Jersey, with the possibility of record-breaking snowfall, dangerous travel conditions, and coastal flooding. State and local officials are urging residents to prepare for power outages and to avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm.