Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Accidents, Speed Restrictions, 60-mph Winds, Worst Cold Since 2004 Slam New Jersey

The state deals with 5-7 inches of snow, 10-below wind-chill temps, power outages and property damage.

The impact of Winter Storm Neptune has hit New Jersey. And even after the snow fell, it could get worse.

The state continues to be hit with 60-mph gusts that could lead to power outages and property damage, according to the National Weather Service.

As many as 7 inches of snow fell in Toms River while other areas of the state received 3 to 5 inches, according to the NWS.

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>>Related story: WEATHER ALERT: How Much Snow Fell In Your New Jersey Hometown

Temperatures on Sunday could fall to their lowest levels since 2004, sinking to zero across the state with 10-below wind chills.

Find out what's happening in Chathamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Approximately 120 people were without power in the Millville area on Sunday, while another 160 lost power in Morris County.

More than 300 flights were cancelled at Newark Liberty International Airport, according to News12.

A “Winter Weather Advisory” is in effect until 1 p.m. Sunday, with periods of snow lasting until the late morning. Hazardous travel conditions are expected.

A “High Wind Warning” will be in effect until 2 pm. Sunday, with wind gusts expected to be as fast as 60 mph. A “Wind Chill Advisory” is in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday until 11 a.m. Monday.

As of Sunday at 8 a.m. the following happened, or was imposed:

  • Nearly 4 inches fell in Camden County, while 2 inches fell in North Jersey, Morris County.
  • A 35-mph speed restriction on the Atlantic City Expressway
  • A downed tree and downed wires is blocking traffic on Route 47 in both directions South of Orange St in Millville. All lanes closed use caution.
  • A 35-mph speed restriction on the New Jersey Turnpike in both directions from Mansfield to Exit 9 in East Brunswick, and a 45 mph speed restriction on the same roadway from Exit 9 to the George Washington Bridge and from the Delaware Memorial Bridge to Mansfield.
  • 25-mph speed restrictions on the Walt Whitman Bridge, the Betsy Ross Bridge, the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Commodore Barry Bridge between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
  • 35-mph speed restrictions on the Outerbridge Crossing and the Goethals Bridge between New Jersey and Staten Island.
  • A 45-mph speed restriction on the Garden State Parkway in both directions from Exit 130 to the New York state line, and a 35-mph speed restriction on the same roadway from Cape May to Exit 130 in Woodbridge.
  • An accident on the Garden State Parkway northbound at Exit 38 in Egg Harbor Twp. One lane was blocked.
  • A disabled vehicle on the New Jersey Turnpike inner roadway northbound north of Exit 8A in South Brunswick. Left lane was blocked.
  • A water main break on Route 70 westbound approaching Route 673/Springdale Rd in Cherry Hill Twp. All lanes closed.
  • A vehicle was off the roadway on I-195 eastbound East of Exit 28 in Howell. The right shoulder was closed.
  • A disabled truck on the New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway southbound north of Exit 8A. Partial lane was blocked.
  • An accident on New Jersey Turnpike southbound at Exit 4 - Route 73 in Mount Laurel Twp. All lanes open to traffic.

>>Related stories:

State Department of Transportation officials said they are asking trucking drivers to be extra cautious this weekend when driving throughout New Jersey.

The department has asked the New Jersey State Police to watch for any trucks that may pose a risk to themselves or other motorists.

“The wind forecasts this weekend should not be taken lightly,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox. “Truck drivers on our roads need to be aware of the weather and they must adjust their driving methods accordingly. With winds as high as we are seeing forecast, there is a real risk of trucks quickly losing control.”

A Winter Weather Advisory means that “periods of snow will cause travel difficulties,” the National Weather Service said. ”Be prepared for slippery roads... limited visibilities... and blowing snow. Use caution while driving.”

A Wind Chill Advisory means that very cold air and strong winds will combine to generate low wind chills, resulting in possible frost bite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken, according to the National Weather Service.

What else should we expect:

  • Be prepared for power outages possibly lasting for more than 24 hours. trees and tree limbs could be knocked down.
  • Minor structural damage to homes is possible.
  • Do not park vehicles where trees can fall on them.
  • Make sure all cell phone and electronic devices are fully charged.
  • If you have a generator, make sure it is working properly and is properly ventilated when in use.
  • Expect bridge restrictions and impacts to high-profile vehicles.

A ”High Wind Warning means a hazardous high-wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage, the National Weather Service says.

The Weather Channel says the New York City and Philadelphia areas will have moderate snow and strong winds, which could lead to near blizzard conditions in those areas despite much lighter snowfall than New England.

Winter Storm Neptune’s impact will be magnified by a large field of strong winds, even in areas outside the heaviest snow, and a sharp drop in temperatures that will lead to dangerously low wind chills, The Weather Channel says.

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