UPDATE: Snow Moves In As Nor'easter Hits New Jersey

Picture: First snowman (perhaps) in New Jersey on Wednesday.

New Jersey found itself dealing with “plowable“ snow and heavy rain and battling wind gusts early Wednesday as a nor’easter named ”Cato” moved across the state, closing schools and creating a traffic mess just a day before Thanksgiving.

The coastal storm will impact New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania until late Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, promising a travel mess for anybody leaving early to visit relatives for the holiday.

At least a half of an inch had already fallen in Morris and Sussex counties by 10 a.m., and some Facebook users were posting pictures of snowmen.

In Brick, the Weather Channel said there is a 95 percent chance of snow moving in by 7 p.m.

Ramapo College and William Paterson University closed as communities dug into their supplies of road salt, ready to deal with possible snowfall amounts varying from 10 inches in Sussex County to less than 1 inch in Ocean County.

The National Weather Service noted that precipitation southeast of Interstate 95 in South Jersey and in eastern Pennsylvania will begin as rain, and then begin mixing with snow by late morning, before changing to all snow during the afternoon and into the evening.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that Newark Liberty International Airport air carriers were waiving fees to people impacted by the weather, suggesting that travelers contact their carriers for information.

“Due to the increased number of travelers expected for the holiday, please allow extra time for check-in and security checkpoints,” the Port Authority reported on its Twitter account.

The Port Authority, which also operates Hudson River crossings between New York City and New Jersey, said it has more than 200 snow and ice equipment at its airports, 60 pieces of snow equipment at its bridges and tunnels, and more than 2,000 tons of salt at-the-ready in case the storm brings a heavy dose of slickness to roads and runways.

In South Jersey, some snow accumulations are possible, which could lead to slushy and slick roadways, according to the National Weather Service’s “Winter Advisory.”

If you have travel plans for Wednesday, especially in eastern Pennsylvania or northwestern New Jersey, travel should be completed by mid-morning Wednesday to avoid any weather-related delays, according to the National Weather Service.

By 9 a.m., the New Jersey Turnpike Authority was reporting numerous weather-related delays on the Garden State Parkway.

A travel advisory was issued for portions of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, with weather forecast agencies predicting rain and sleet mixed with snow for Wednesday, according to turnpike officials. Maintenance crews reported that the roadway was wet but visibility was good Wednesday morning.

All abandoned vehicles were being removed from the turnpike to permit crews to treat and plow.

More nor’easter coverage:

• Nor’easter: Strong Winds, Outages, Snow And Rain Begin At Morning Rush
• AAA Offers Winter Driving Tips as Winter Storm Approaches
• Airlines at Newark Airport to Waive Fees for Changing Flights During Thanksgiving Snowstorm
• Nor’easter Threat Closes William Paterson University In Wayne
• Brick May Not Get Snow, But Town Is Ready
• Road Crew Ready for Nor’easter Bringing Up To 9 Inches of Snow to Long Valley
• ADVISORY: Winter Storm Warning In Effect For Westfield, Parking Restrictions Enforced
• Nor’easter Now Expected For New Jersey On Thanksgiving Eve
• Coastal Storm Still Expected To Hit New Jersey Wednesday, Thanksgiving