By: Richard L. Smith
My friends and family are waking up under frigid conditions this morning as the region begins to recover from a wicked winter blizzard that roared through and left its mark statewide. 
While the worst of the storm has moved on, the aftermath is still very much with us, from bitter cold to dangerous patches of black ice.
In some parts of our state, snowfall totals reached two feet or more, and some communities were walloped with more than 27 inches of snow, leaving towering mounds along streets, sidewalks, and driveways that will take days to fully clear.
Here in the Lower Hudson County area, the cleanup was no small task.
Digging my car out alone took close to two hours, and that was just one part of a long morning that also included shoveling the property where I live.
It was exhausting work, the kind that reminds you just how powerful this storm really was.
As people across the state make adjustments and try to return to normal routines, winter gear is still essential today.
Even though the snow has stopped falling, the cold air moving in has created ideal conditions for black ice, especially on untreated roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and bridges.
Snowbanks and heavy piles of plowed snow will remain in place for several days, limiting visibility and narrowing roadways.
Drivers and pedestrians alike should move with caution.
To their credit, snow crews across New Jersey deserve recognition for their tireless efforts.
Major roadways were treated and cleared aggressively, helping prepare the region for the morning commute after an extremely challenging storm.
According to the National Weather Service, conditions today will remain cold but calmer:
Today: Patchy blowing snow before 7 a.m., then mostly sunny. High near 31 degrees. Wind chill values between 10 and 20 degrees. West wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Tonight: Snow likely, mainly after 4 a.m. Increasing clouds, with temperatures falling to near 22 degrees by 9 p.m., then rising to around 30 degrees overnight.
The storm may be behind us, but winter still has a firm grip on the region. Take your time, watch your footing, drive carefully, and keep those gloves and hats close.
Be safe and stay warm, New Jersey.