Summary (tl;dr)

A major winter storm delivered significant snowfall and icy conditions across New Jersey and the broader Tri-State Area on January 25-26, 2026, leading to a statewide State of Emergency and extensive disruptions, including the complete suspension of all NJ Transit services and numerous school closures.

Essential Background

Meteorologists, including Dan Zarrow, had issued forecasts predicting a severe winter storm for the Tri-State Area, warning of heavy snow, sleet, and frigid temperatures. In response to these anticipated hazardous conditions, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey, effective Saturday, January 24, 2026, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel. This event marked the second consecutive weekend that the region experienced widespread snowfall.

The Full Story

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, a dangerous winter storm impacted New Jersey and surrounding areas, bringing substantial snow accumulations. Parts of northern New Jersey, such as Stockholm, received as much as 17 inches of snow, while Newark, New Jersey, recorded 10.8 inches. The storm also included periods of sleet and freezing rain, particularly affecting central and southern New Jersey, which contributed to hazardous travel conditions. Due to the severity of the storm, NJ Transit implemented a full suspension of its bus, light rail, and Access Link services starting at 4 a.m. on Sunday, with rail service suspended by 2 p.m.. The storm also led to thousands of flight cancellations at major New York City airports and prompted widespread school closures for Monday, January 26, across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Why It Matters

The severe winter storm has created significant challenges for public safety and daily routines throughout New Jersey. The statewide State of Emergency highlights the critical need for residents to heed warnings and stay off the roads, thereby assisting emergency personnel and snow removal efforts. The comprehensive suspension of NJ Transit services has severely impacted commuters, causing major interruptions to transportation for work and school. Furthermore, the combination of ice accumulation and high winds raised concerns about potential power outages from downed trees and power lines, adding another layer of risk for affected communities.

Geographic Location

• Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, United States (10.8 inches of snow and NJ Transit service suspensions)
• Stockholm, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States (17.0 inches of snow)
• Wharton, Morris County, New Jersey, United States (11 inches of snow)
• Nutley, Essex County, New Jersey, United States (enforcement of parking restrictions during snow storm)
• Hoboken, Hudson County, New Jersey, United States (NJ Transit service suspensions and enforcement of emergency snow routes)
• Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States (Governor declared a statewide State of Emergency)
• New Jersey, United States (statewide winter storm with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and widespread disruptions including school closures and impact on regional transportation services)