NJ Weather: Winter Weather Starts, 18" Nor'easter Snow Forecasted

Potentially "dangerous" conditions loom for New Jersey now that a winter storm – a spring nor'easter storm – has started. As many as 18 inches of heavy, wet snow could fall, creating the potential for power outages across the state on Tuesday and Wednesday as a winter storm warning remains in effect.

Already, the storm was causing problems on the roads (see below).

We have the hour-by-hour forecast of the snow for all regions of New Jersey. Read more: NJ Weather: Hour-By-Hour Forecast Of Heavy Nor'easter Snowstorm

The double-wave storm, the fourth possible nor'easter to hit New Jersey in three weeks, could be a "long-duration event" packing 45 mph winds. The bulk of the storm is expected to come in two waves, especially on Wednesday, and could extend the nor'easter to a 36-hour system.

The storm has already caused schools to close, delay openings or dismiss early on Wednesday when 2 to 3 inches per hour could fall. Come back here to check: New Jersey School Closings/Delays List For Tuesday, Wednesday.

The National Weather Service also described the nor'easter as potentially "dangerous," saying the storm will threaten the region with heavy accumulations of wind-driven sleet and snow that could cause widespread power outages and make travel very difficult at times.

Thundersnow is also possible, the NWS says.

The system will effectively work initially as a pair of back-to-back noreasters that will merge into a single intense storm off the mid Atlantic coast by Wednesday afternoon, according to the NWS.

Here is what is expected in terms of snow totals, which could change depending on the track of the storm:

Here are the road conditions as of Tuesday evening:

• New Jersey Turnpike: Speed restriction ;on the New Jersey Turnpike in both directions from North of Interchange 8A - NJ 32 in South Brunswick Twp to South of Interchange 11 - Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge Twp; 45 miles per hour due to salting operations.
• New Jersey Turnpike: Speed restriction on the New Jersey Turnpike in both directions from Delaware Memorial Bridge in Pennsville Twp to North of Interchange 8A - NJ 32 in South Brunswick Twp; 35 miles per hour due to plowing operations.
• Garden State Parkway: Speed restriction on the Garden State Parkway in both directions from north of Asbury Toll Plaza in Tinton Falls to South of Exit 124 - Main St in Sayreville speed reduced to 45 mph due to weather conditions and roadway operations.
• US 322: Flooding on US 322 westbound NJ 50 in Hamilton Twp. Entrance ramp closed use caution.
• Garden State Parkway: Speed restriction on the Garden State Parkway in both directions from Southern Terminus/CR 109 in Cape May to Asbury Toll Plaza in Tinton Falls speed limit reduced to 35 mph due to weather conditions and roadway operations.
• I-195: Accident on I-195 in both directions ramp to Exit 21 - CR 527 in Jackson Twp. Ramp closed 5-10 minute delay, use caution.
• George Washington Bridge: Disabled truck on the George Washington Bridge westbound Mid-Span/Upper Level in Manhattan. Right lane blocked.
• I-295: Vehicle spun out on I-295 northbound North of Exit 47 - CR 541/Burlington-Mount Holly Rd in Burlington Twp. Left shoulder closed 5 minute delay, use caution.
• I-195: Accident on I-195 eastbound West of Exit 11 - CR 524 in Upper Freehold Twp. 1 lane may be closed 10-15 minute delay, use caution.
• New Jersey Turnpike: Accident on the New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway northbound North of Interchange 6 - Pennsylvania Turnpike in Mansfield Twp. Left lane blocked.
• New Jersey Turnpike: Accident on the New Jersey Turnpike southbound North of Interchange 1 - Delaware Memorial Bridge in Carneys Point Twp. Left lane blocked.
• I-295: Accident on I-295 southbound South of Exit 7 in Oldmans Twp. Median use caution.
• New Jersey Turnpike: Vehicle off the roadway on the New Jersey Turnpike southbound North of Interchange 1 - Delaware Memorial Bridge in Carneys Point Twp. All lanes open to traffic.
• New Jersey Turnpike: Accident on the New Jersey Turnpike southbound South of Interchange 2 - US 322 in Woolwich Twp. All lanes open to traffic.
• Garden State Parkway: Accident on the Garden State Parkway northbound Exit 74 - CR 614 in Lacey Twp. Left lane blocked.
• I-195: Overturned vehicle on I-195 westbound West of Exit 22 - CR 638 in Jackson Twp. Left lane closed 5-10 minute delay, use caution.
• New Jersey Turnpike: Accident on the New Jersey Turnpike southbound North of Interchange 1 - Delaware Memorial Bridge in Oldmans Twp. All lanes open to traffic.
• New Jersey Turnpike: Accident and a Vehicle off the roadway on the New Jersey Turnpike southbound North of Interchange 4 - NJ 73 in Mount Laurel Twp. All lanes open to traffic.

Here is what is also expected from the storm:

• This will be a heavy, wet snow which will be difficult to shovel and will stick to trees and power lines. This, combined with the strong winds could lead to power outages and tree damage.
• Coastal flooding will be a concern through the next three high tide cycles. Minor coastal flooding is expected tonight. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected with the high tide cycles Wednesday and Wednesday night.
• Mixed precipitation expected on Tuesday which should be mostly sleet and freezing rain. Total wet snow and sleet accumulations of up to 2 inches on Tuesday with up to 1/10 of an inch of glaze possible.
• For Wednesday, total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches.
• The winter storm watch is in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening.
• Plan on slippery road conditions, including during the evening commute on Tuesday. Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times.
• Plan on very difficult travel conditions Wednesday afternoon, including during the evening commute on Wednesday when snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are expected. Significant reductions in visibility are possible.
• Widespread power outages are possible, especially Wednesday. Northeast to north wind will gust 25 to 45 MPH at times.

How close this storm tracks to the coast during the middle of the week will determine whether the heaviest band of snow sets up along the I-95 corridor, farther inland or well out to sea, according to AccuWeather.

Those with flights into and out of the major Northeast hubs should be prepared for possible delays and cancellations at midweek, according to AccuWeather.

Between the two storms, the mid-Atlantic coast may also face an extended stretch of gusty northeasterly winds especially on Wednesday, according to AccuWeather. The risk for minor coastal flooding will steadily increase.

Regardless of snowfall accumulation, the storm is likely to usher in another round of cold, blustery conditions to the Northeast in its wake, according to AccuWeather.

Here is the forecast:

• Tuesday: A chance of rain, snow, and sleet after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 37. East wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation expected.
• Tuesday night: Rain likely, possibly mixed with freezing rain before 2am, then snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain. Low around 30. Northeast wind 15 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Wednesday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. High near 33. Breezy, with a north wind 17 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches possible.
• Wednesday night: Snow, mainly before 9pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 29. North wind 14 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

NJDOT photo, Photo by Helena Mitchell, Photo courtesy Brookline, Mass. police