NORTH JERSEY — Residents across North Jersey faced a challenging start to the new year as a series of snowstorms swept through the region, leaving behind hazardous road conditions, school delays, and a sharp drop in temperatures. The storms, which struck over the weekend of January 17–18, left communities scrambling to clear streets and ensure public safety amid heavy snow and bitter cold.
The first storm arrived in the early hours of Saturday, January 17, quietly blanketing much of North Jersey in 3 to 5 inches of snow. Elevated areas, such as Ramsey, saw slightly higher accumulations, with reports reaching nearly 4.6 inches. Just as residents began digging out, a second system rolled in on Sunday morning, adding an additional 2 to 5 inches of fresh snowfall. By the end of the weekend, several towns had recorded total snow accumulations exceeding 8 to 10 inches across the two-day period. West Orange in Essex County reported one of the largest single-storm totals, receiving 4.5 inches on Sunday alone.
The heavy snow created treacherous travel conditions throughout the region. Winter weather advisories were in effect for 17 counties, prompting the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway to enforce 45 mph speed limits north of exit 8A. Black ice and slushy side streets compounded the danger, and local authorities reported multiple accidents, including one incident in Ridgewood where an SUV collided with a building during the Sunday snowfall. Air travel also faced disruptions, as visibility issues and accumulating snow briefly forced ground stops at Newark Liberty International Airport and nearby New York City airports.
Though the storms fell over a holiday weekend, their impact carried into the following week. Several North Jersey school districts announced delayed openings for Tuesday, January 20, allowing crews extra time to address icy conditions and ensure student safety. The timing coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, which meant most public schools were already closed, providing some relief from potential traffic chaos.
Following the snowfall, a surge of arctic air moved into the region, sending wind chills plunging into the single digits or even near zero by Tuesday. The extreme cold caused wet streets to refreeze rapidly, making snow removal and road clearing even more challenging. Officials continue to urge drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to black ice, and to stay updated on ongoing weather conditions.
Residents looking for continuous updates and forecasts on the winter weather can follow the region’s latest weather reports to stay informed of any emerging advisories or travel restrictions. The combination of recent storms and bitter temperatures serves as a reminder that winter in New Jersey can be unpredictable and that preparation remains essential for both safety and mobility.
