By: Richard L. Smith
Residents across Newark and the North Jersey region are waking up to bitterly cold conditions Sunday as a major winter storm hovers over the state, with forecasts calling for significant snowfall before tapering off by Monday morning.
Happy Sunday, New Jersey. If there’s a day to stay indoors and catch up on some binge-worthy television, today may be it, as the region braces for a long, cold, and snowy day.
Temperatures in downtown Newark were around 13 degrees early Sunday, but wind chills made it feel closer to 7 degrees, adding to already harsh conditions.
As the storm approaches, Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs issued a warning to businesses that price gouging during the declared State of Emergency will not be tolerated. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspected storm-related price gouging immediately.
New Jersey’s price gouging law prohibits sellers from excessively increasing prices during a declared state of emergency or for 30 days following its termination.
An excessive increase is defined as a price hike of more than 10 percent above the item’s normal pre-emergency price.
Mikie Sherrill announced that New Jersey will officially enter a State of Emergency effective at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Violations of the price gouging law carry civil penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $20,000 for second and subsequent offenses.
Each individual sale is treated as a separate violation.
According to the National Weather Service, snow is expected before 4 p.m., followed by a mix of snow and sleet, with periods of heavy snowfall possible.
High temperatures are expected near 29 degrees, with wind chill values between 5 and 10 degrees.
Winds from the northeast may reach 16 mph, with gusts up to 26 mph. Snow and sleet accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are possible.
Sunday night conditions are expected to remain hazardous, with sleet possibly mixing with freezing rain before 4 a.m., followed by a chance of additional snow.
Overnight temperatures are expected to hover around 26 degrees, with wind chills between 10 and 20 degrees and gusts up to 28 mph.
Residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible, prepare for extended winter conditions, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Be safe, New Jersey.