Bridgewater Blizzard Brings Closures, Travel Bans

Heavy snow, high winds prompt emergency declarations and shutdowns across Somerset County

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A major winter storm has blanketed Bridgewater, New Jersey and the surrounding Somerset County with heavy snow, leading to a state of emergency, travel bans, and widespread closures of schools, government offices, and other facilities. The National Weather Service has reported snowfall totals ranging from 5.5 inches in Somerville to over 15 inches in Watchung, with more snow expected throughout the day.

Why it matters

The severe winter weather has disrupted daily life and essential services across the region, underscoring the need for effective emergency response and preparedness measures to keep residents safe during major storms. The closures and travel restrictions also highlight the economic impact that such weather events can have on businesses and local communities.

The details

Bridgewater police have extended a state of emergency and travel ban, urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Several major roads in the area have been closed due to dangerous conditions, including disabled vehicles and accidents. All Somerset County government offices, libraries, and services have been shut down for the day, and schools across the county have been closed as well. Recycling pickups have been postponed, and there will be no home-delivered meals on Monday.

  • The State of Emergency and Travel Ban remain in effect through at least noon on Monday.
  • The National Weather Service Blizzard Warning is in effect for Bridgewater through 6 p.m. on Monday.
  • As of early Monday morning, snowfall totals ranged from 5.5 inches in Somerville to over 15 inches in Watchung.

The players

Bridgewater Police

The local law enforcement agency that has issued the state of emergency and travel ban for the area.

Bridgewater Township

The local government of Bridgewater, which has urged residents to stay off the roads and not attempt to leave their homes due to the dangerous conditions.

New Jersey State Police

The state law enforcement agency that has extended travel restrictions through noon on Monday across the region.

Somerset County

The county government that has closed all county offices, libraries, and services, and cancelled recycling pickups and home-delivered meals for Monday.

National Weather Service

The federal agency that has been monitoring and reporting on the snowfall totals and weather conditions in the area.

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What they’re saying

“The State of Emergency and Travel Ban remain in effect. Please stay off the roads unless it is an emergency and do NOT drive around barricades closing off roadways.”

— Bridgewater Police (Patch.com)

“Residents - Do. Not. Travel. Snow continues to fall and will throughout the morning into the afternoon. Do not attempt to leave your home: the roads are dangerous, and we need not create more challenges for our DPW, Police, and EMS crews.”

— Bridgewater Township (Patch.com)

What’s next

The Bridgewater Municipal Building and other county facilities are expected to remain closed on Tuesday as the region continues to dig out from the heavy snowfall. Officials will continue to monitor road conditions and provide updates on when normal operations can resume.

The takeaway

This major winter storm has demonstrated the importance of emergency preparedness and effective coordination between local, county, and state authorities to keep residents safe and minimize disruptions during severe weather events. The widespread closures and travel restrictions underscore the need for residents to heed warnings and avoid unnecessary risks during hazardous conditions.