NJ weather: State of emergency in effect with nor'easter, 'wet, heavy snow' on the way

TRENTON - Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency in New Jersey ahead of a nor'easter on Wednesday, with the storm expected to bear down on New Jersey tonight and not let up until Thursday.

UPDATE ON TODAY'S NOR'EASTER: Slow commute, flooding expected

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The state of emergency went into effect at 8 p.m.

As much as 18 inches of "wet, heavy snow" is forecast in New Jersey, with 1 inch to 4 inches in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The snow could fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour on Wednesday afternoon and evening in parts of New Jersey, the Weather Service said.

As of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday the National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly office said they had no change in the snow amounts but higher amounts were possible at 4 a.m. Wednesday.

What is a "state of emergency" actually mean? Here's an explainer.

"Unnecessary travel is not recommended Wednesday," the Weather Service wrote in an alert. "Thereafter, communities will need Wednesday night and Thursday morning to dig out."

New Brunswick and Trenton are expected to see between six inches and eight inches of snow, and the northwestern part of the state will likely see the highest totals.

WHAT WE KNOW: 2nd nor'easter in one week to hit New Jersey

High winds are also expected, with wind speeds of 15 mph to 25 mph and gusts of up to 45 mph at the Shore. A combination of wind and wet snow could bring down power lines, the Weather Service said.

More than 1.8 million people lost power during and after last week's nor'easter.

Western Monmouth County is already under a winter weather advisory.

A possible thunderstorm could hit the state Wednesday as well, tweeted Gary Szatkowski, former chief meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Mount Holly office.

"Along with everything else, we may have #ThunderSnow tomorrow,' he said. "Because, why not?"

Coastal flooding is expected along the Shore during the Wednesday morning high tide but is otherwise expected to be limited, the Weather Service said.

In his press conference, Murphy called for motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, echoing the Weather Service.

The state Department of Transportation is "ready to activate" more than 2,500 snow plows, spreaders and loaders to distribute more than 207,000 tons of salt.

"We are engaging all levels of government to be ready to act and protect our residents," Murphy said.

What is a nor'easter? Check out this video to learn more:

NJ Transit announced that all trains would operate on on a severe weather schedule, with limited departures on all lines. Riders are encouraged to specific timetables on NJTransit.com.

Meanwhile, bus, light rail and Access Link services are expected to run on a normal weekday schedule, if weather allows, NJ Transit said Tuesday evening. However, in northern and central New Jersey, bus service to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal could be suspended before the afternoon peak period.

Like train riders, NJ Transit said bus riders should also pay close attention to schedule changes on its website.

All fares will be cross-honored on NJ Transit buses and light rail, but no cross-honoring is expected for PATH and ferry services.

On Friday, a nor'easter dropped up to three inches of snow on the Shore after initial forecasts showed little snowfall. Take a look back at last week's nor'easter in the videos at the top of the page.

NJ WEATHER: Between nor'easters, flooding hits Jersey Shore

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Mike Davis; @byMikeDavis: 732-643-4223; mdavis@gannettnj.com