Morristown and much of Morris County remained under a Blizzard Warning through 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, as a major winter storm continued to hammer the region with heavy snow, blowing snow, and strong winds capable of sharply reducing visibility and making travel dangerous.
The National Weather Service forecast called for storm totals of about 10 to 14 inches in Morris County, with an additional 4 to 6 inches possible Monday as the system continued moving through. Wind gusts of up to 45 mph were expected to keep conditions hazardous even as snowfall rates began to ease, with blowing and drifting snow continuing to create dangerous travel conditions across the area.
Ahead of the storm, Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a statewide State of Emergency effective noon Sunday, Feb. 22, activating emergency management resources as New Jersey prepared for the worst of the system. The state also moved to limit travel as road conditions deteriorated. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and State Police issued a mandatory travel restriction for non-exempt vehicles beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, later extending it until 12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23. Under that order, all non-exempt vehicles were barred from state, county, municipal, and interstate roadways, with the New Jersey Turnpike exempt.
To reduce crashes and keep key corridors open for plows and emergency crews, NJDOT also issued an emergency traffic regulation lowering posted speed limits to 35 mph on interstate and state highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway, starting Sunday afternoon.
The storm also disrupted mass transit statewide. NJ Transit imposed widespread service suspensions as conditions worsened, saying bus, light rail, and Access Link service were temporarily suspended beginning 6 p.m. Sunday. Rail service was later suspended as well, with officials saying service would resume only when conditions were safe for crews and customers. Riders were urged to monitor NJ Transit for the latest recovery updates and service plans.
Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel until restrictions are lifted and roads are more fully cleared, especially with drifting snow and low visibility expected to continue through Monday. Drivers who must go out should leave extra space for plows and emergency vehicles and expect delays even after restrictions end, since side streets and parking areas often take longer to clear.
Residents were also urged to take basic storm precautions during cleanup and power-related disruptions. That includes shoveling in stages, taking breaks, and watching for ice beneath fresh snow. Officials also reminded residents to use safe heating practices, including keeping generators outdoors and away from windows and never using grills or gas stoves to heat a home indoors.