UPDATED 02/22/26
Governor Sherrill issued a briefing today; latest NWS Reports state that the ENTIRE State of New Jersey is under a Blizzard Warning.
Additionally, there is a 95% likelihood of the entire state of New Jersey receiving at least 16″ of snow. 60+ MPH winds and Whiteout conditions are expected for 8-10 hours starting at 7pm tonight.
NJ DoT reports that Buses, Lightrails, and Access Link will cease operations at 6pm. Trains are likely to cease operations at 8pm until further notice.
A Statewide Commercial Vehicle ban is implemented on all highways, Additionally a Statewide Speed Restriction has been implemented on ALL DRIVERS STATEWIDE with a Max Speed Limit of 35 MPH. Driving ONLY for Emergencies is authorized as per the State.
St. Joseph’s Health continues to monitor a Major Blizzard expected to significantly impact Northern New Jersey beginning Sunday morning and continuing through Monday afternoon.
What to Expect
- 10–15 inches of snow likely, with locally higher totals possible
- Snowfall rates up to 1–2 inches per hour, with heavier bands possible Sunday night
- Heaviest snow expected 7:00 PM Sunday through 12:00 PM Monday
- Northeast winds 25–35 mph, gusting up to 45–55 mph
- Periods of very low visibility and near-whiteout conditions
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate Sunday evening and may become dangerous to impossible overnight into Monday morning. The combination of heavy, wet snow and strong winds may result in downed tree limbs and localized power outages.
Operational Status
At this time, normal hospital operations remain in effect. Leadership, Facilities, and Emergency Management are actively monitoring conditions and preparing accordingly.
All staff scheduled to work Sunday night through Monday should:
- Plan for extended travel time
- Review departmental inclement weather procedures
- Prepare for the possibility of remaining on-site if conditions prevent safe travel
Staff Accommodations
Staff who anticipate needing overnight accommodations due to the storm must call the Command Center after 10:00 AM at:
973-754-6666
Please do not call prior to 10:00 AM. The Command Center will coordinate room assignments and availability.
Additional updates will be distributed through SJHAlert as conditions evolve.
Please continue to monitor internal communications and trusted weather sources.
Stay safe and plan ahead.
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Team,
The National Weather Service issued our region under a Winter Storm Watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon.
This message is intended to support early planning and operational readiness across all St. Joseph’s Health locations.
Latest Forecast Highlights:
- Snowfall: 12-16 inches possible
- Timing: Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon
- Winds: Gusts up to 40 mph
- Impacts:
- Blowing snow and reduced visibility
- Potential impact to Monday morning and evening commutes
Situational Awareness
This is an early readiness notification. Forecast confidence and totals may change.
- Employees scheduled to work Sunday night through Monday should plan for extended travel times
- Please review your department’s inclement weather staffing plan
- Monitor SJHAlert, email, and internal communications for any operational updates
At this time, normal operations remain in effect. Additional guidance will be distributed if conditions warrant.
Please continue to monitor trusted weather sources and SJH communications for updates.
The Emergency Management team will continue to monitor and update, if necessary.
Thank you!