UPDATE: Gov. Murphy orders 2-hour delayed opening for state workers due to winter storm

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Sunday ahead of what is expected to be the most significant snowstorm of the winter so far with 6 to 8 inches in the forecast for much of New Jersey overnight into the Monday morning commute.

The state of emergency goes into effect at 3 p.m. There’s also a commercial vehicle restrictions on several major highways and speed restrictions on the Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike. Murphy urged people to stay home during the storm and off the roads.

The governor and other state officials encouraged residents to delay their commute or work from home on Monday, if possible.

“Our main concern is with tomorrow morning’s commute,” Murphy said during a Sunday afternoon phone briefing with the media. “Use common sense and caution.”

New Jersey Transit announced around 5:30 p.m. Sunday that they would operate on a on a regular weekday schedule on Monday, but that could change depending on the severity of the weather. `They also announced system wide cross-honoring, including private carriers for tomorrow.

There are commercial vehicle restrictions for: I-295, I-76, I-676, I-195, I-78, Rt. 80, I-280 and I-287. The restriction does not apply to the New Jersey Turnpike, the Atlantic City Expressway or the Garden State Parkway up to Exit 105, Murphy said.

The state Department of Transportation had 2,500 pieces of equipment out preparing roads ahead of the storm. The State Police activated its emergency operations center at noon, officials said.

Murphy has been criticized for his quick trigger in declaring a state of emergency for winter weather compared to past governors, but he stood by the state’s preparedness this winter and said “caution is the order of the day for this storm.”

New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan said he expects the storm to deliver the most accumulation of snow the state has seen this year.

“We take the decision to call a state of emergency very seriously,” Murphy said. “We’re the densest state in the nation. We are going to lean toward over-preparedness. We’re going to lean toward safety, security.”

Murphy also cautioned that the heavy wet snow could cause power outages.

Officials said they expected the thickest part of the storm to occur between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. tonight, as well as from midnight to 1 a.m. Monday.

“Tonight, if you are able to stay home and enjoy a Sunday evening indoors with family, please do so,” Murphy said.

Although there remains some uncertainty about snowfall amounts through the central part of the state along the I-95 corridor, the National Weather Service stressed in its forecast update that variations in snow accumulation amounts may not matter too much. The mixing with sleet and freezing rain, which could lower final snowfall totals, is expected to make for hazardous driving conditions.

“Do not focus solely on snowfall totals,” the weather service said in its final briefing for the storm Sunday morning. “High snowfall rates will result in rapid deterioration of road conditions.”

Multiple winter storm warnings and advisories have been issued:

Winter storm warning from 1 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties.

Winter storm warning from 3 p.m Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Ocean, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Salem, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties.

Winter weather advisory from 3 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday for Atlantic and Cumberland counties.

The heaviest snowfall, with up to 1 inch per hour, is expected from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

A governor’s state of emergency declaration typically comes with stern warnings for people to stay off the roads, although law enforcement officers don’t have the authority to ticket drivers.

But the order does empower first responders to close roads, evacuate homes, and commandeer equipment or other resources to protect public safety.

Plus, after a high-impact storm, state officials can seek financial assistance from the federal government to make repairs, and the emergency declaration is a required step in that process.

Monitor the social media accounts for the state Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey State Police for updates:

NJOEM on Facebook: www.facebook.com/READYNEWJERSEY

NJOEM on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ReadyNJ

NJ State Police on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NewJerseyStatePolice

NJ State Police on Twitter: www.twitter.com/NJSP

You may also sign up for text and email alerts:

NIXLE - www.nixle.com.

NJ Alert - www.njalert.gov.

We are gearing up for another winter storm! Precipitation •Precipitation will build in from the southwest and west... Posted by New Jersey Office of Emergency Management on Sunday, March 3, 2019

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