By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey remains under a Winter Storm Warning this Monday morning as parts of the state wake up to between 12 and 18 inches of snow on the ground following a powerful overnight storm.
Heavy snow began falling Sunday evening and continued into the early morning hours, creating crippling travel conditions statewide.
For many residents, the view outside their windows reveals a deep blanket of snow, buried vehicles, and roadways that will take much of the day — if not longer — to clear.
As of early morning, roughly 8 inches had already accumulated in several areas, with forecasters indicating the higher-end totals of 13 to 20 inches are likely to be realized before the system fully exits.
Snow is expected to continue falling heavily at times through midday, with temperatures remaining in the 20s.
Blizzard conditions were declared after Newark Liberty International Airportrecorded at least three consecutive hours of sustained winds at 35 mph, meeting criteria for blizzard designation.
Strong winds are producing blowing and drifting snow, significantly reducing visibility and worsening already dangerous road conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, snow is expected mainly before 1 p.m., with heavy bursts possible.
Areas of blowing snow are forecast before 4 p.m. The high temperature will be near 34 degrees, but wind chill values will range between 15 and 20 degrees.
North winds of 22 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 46 mph, are contributing to near-whiteout conditions in some locations.
An additional 4 to 8 inches of snow may accumulate before the storm tapers off.
Monday night will turn partly cloudy with a low around 22 degrees. Wind chills are expected to drop between 10 and 15 degrees, with continued gusts up to 30 mph.
Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
This will be a major and uncomfortable dig-out, and snow removal operations will take time. 
If you do not need to be on the roads, stay home and allow crews to safely clear highways and secondary streets.
Continue to monitor updates for changing conditions throughout the day.