Sunday snowstorm: NJ declares state of emergency; Pa, NJ issue highway restrictions ahead of snow

PHILADELPHIA - In advance of Sunday’s snowstorm, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency, while NJDOT and PennDOT have released various highway restrictions for vehicles during the duration of the snowfall.
Additionally, several area townships and municipalities have taken advance measures and declared snow emergencies, setting up restrictions for parking along snow emergency routes and how that can impact residents and visitors who are parked in a snow emergency route. Those communities include:
- Malvern
- West Chester
- Downingtown
- Warrington
What we know:
It is expected that northern New Jersey will see snow fall totals in the area of 8-12 inches, while counties closer to Philadelphia may see up to 5 inches. Once the snow stops falling, temperatures will continue to drop to dangerous numbers.
With that in mind, Gov. Murphy declared the State of Emergency for all 21 counties of the state, saying, "Beginning tomorrow morning, we are expecting a winter storm to bring heavy snow, followed by dangerously low temperatures expected on Monday and continuing through Wednesday." He went to say all residents should take precautions to be safe and should avoid travel whenever possible.
More information regarding New Jersey’s winter weather hazards and safety can be found at their website, here.
Vehicle restrictions:
In the meantime, NJDOT announced commercial vehicle restrictions on multiple interstates, including the entire lengths of I76, I676 and I295.
They stated that the restrictions do apply to:
- All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)
- Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
- Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
- Recreational vehicles
- Motorcycles
They also said the restrictions don’t apply to the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City expressway.
More information can be found on the NJDOT website.
Over in Pennsylvania, PennDOT set up its own vehicle restrictions across Pennsylvania highways, including:
- I-76 from the PA Turnpike to the New Jersey border.
- PA Turnpike I-76 from Morgantown (Exit 298) to the New Jersey border.
- I-95, entire length.
- PA Turnpike I-95, entire length.
- PA Turnpike I-276, entire length.
- I-295, entire length.
- I-476 from PA Turnpike I-476 to I-95.
- PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Mid-County (Exit 20) to Lehigh Valley (Exit 56).
- I-676, entire length.
More information about the restrictions can be found on the PennDOT website, here.
Big picture view:
Motorists are urged to stay off the roads while the storm is impacting the state, but if one must be on the road, make sure you are prepared with a snow emergency plan and supplies, including blankets, extra gloves, cell phone charger, windshield scrapers and other items, including medications or pet supplies, among other items.
Visit PennDOT’s winter weather safety website for more detailed information regarding restrictions and safety tips for driving in bad weather.