Stormy Morning Commute Expected With Up to 5 Inches of Snow

Article by Mike Pignataro 

Winter-battered central and southern New Jersey residents will endure another treacherous ride Tuesday morning.

A winter weather advisory has been issued until 4 p.m. Tuesday with 3 to 5 inches of snow possible with the heaviest precipitation expected during the morning commute, according to the National Weather Service.

The winter storms and the high mounds of snow left in their wake have frustrated many New Jersey residents and have depleted road treatment supplies throughout the state.

The 1920 Maritime Act, which requires domestic shipments to fly an American flag, has held up a 40,000-ton shipment of rock salt in Maine from being delivered to New Jersey, according to NorthJersey.com.

It could take up to a month for a U.S. vessel to transport the salt if a waiver isn't granted, according to the article.

That won't help road crews for the latest storm, which is expected to begin at daybreak and become moderate to heavy at times during the morning hours before changing to rain Tuesday afternoon, the NWS said.

The heavy, wet snow will reduce visibilities to one-quarter to one-half mile at times and could cause more roof collapses, the NWS reported.

"Although the plow trucks have pushed the snow off the roadways for each of the storms, creating safer roads to drive on, snow piles have been understandably collecting," Morris County Administrator John Bonanni said. 

"This snow can make it difficult to see cross traffic, particularly at intersections. We encourage those on the roadway to use extra diligence and be cautious. With the AM rush hour expected to be impacted, please try to leave extra travel times and be careful."

Gov. Chris Christie called for a delayed opening of 11 a.m. Tuesday for all government offices and non-essential employees. 

"I strongly encourage all New Jerseyans to drive slowly and exercise caution on the roads tonight and tomorrow morning," Christie said in a statement released Monday night. "I thank our state’s transportation crews and first responders for their tireless efforts to keep our residents safe."