By: Richard L. Smith
Good Sunday morning, NJ.
At 4:30 a.m., the region is experiencing what may be the calm before a significant winter storm that is expected to impact not only Newark but much of North Jersey and the state as a whole.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect as a major Nor’easter is forecast to move into the area by mid-morning, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzard-like conditions that could last through the overnight hours into Monday morning.
As of early Sunday, temperatures in downtown Newark sit at 35 degrees, with west winds around 12 mph making it feel noticeably colder.
While conditions remain relatively quiet for now, that is expected to change quickly as precipitation develops.
If you’re planning to head out — including for early First Sunday services — you may want to do so sooner rather than later.
Forecasters say the storm is expected to arrive around 1 p.m. Initially, with temperatures climbing near 37 degrees, some of the early snow may mix with rain and may not immediately stick.
However, as colder air filters in through the afternoon and evening, temperatures will steadily drop, allowing snow to accumulate rapidly.
According to the National Weather Service, rain and snow will transition to all snow after 1 p.m., with temperatures falling to around 33 degrees by late afternoon.
Wind chill values are expected to range between 20 and 30 degrees. East winds between 7 and 16 mph could gust up to 26 mph during the day.
Sunday night is when conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly.
Heavy snow is forecast, along with areas of blowing snow after 10 p.m. Overnight lows will dip to around 29 degrees, with wind chills between 15 and 20 degrees.
North winds will increase to 26 to 31 mph after midnight, with gusts as high as 46 mph.
Snowfall totals could range from 12 to as much as 20 inches in parts of the region, with the heaviest accumulation expected overnight.
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds may produce near-whiteout conditions at times.
Officials are strongly urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel once the storm intensifies.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly on Sunday evening, and visibility could become severely limited during periods of heavy snow and gusty winds.
Now is the time to complete any last-minute errands, prepare emergency supplies, and ensure vehicles are parked in safe locations.
Stay safe, Newark, and continue monitoring updates throughout the day as this powerful winter system moves in.