Gov. Phil Murphy Issues Truck Ban As State Of Emergency Begins

Gov. Phil Murphy declared that New Jersey will enter a state of emergency on Wednesday and also banned commercial traffic from eight state highways (see list below).

Murphy said the emergency began Wednesday at 5 a.m. ahead of the anticipated winter storm. The storm is expected to start after 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day. The commercial traffic ban started at 9 a.m.

Patch will keep track of the snow totals, and we also have the predicted amounts for each area of the state. Read more: New Jersey Snow Totals, Town-By-Town, For Wednesday

The weather could prompt more school cancellations, delayed openings or early dismissals. Several schools have changed their schedules for Wednesday already. Read more: New Jersey School Closings/Delays List For Wednesday And Thursday

We are closely monitoring the weather as the state deals with accidents and other other potential issues across New Jersey, such as ice. Read more: Snow Estimates As Gov. Phil Murphy Addresses NJ Winter Weather

Transportation officials say they have 2,500 plows and spreaders that are ready to be activated statewide wherever they are needed.

The commercial restriction in New Jersey applies to the entire length of the following roadways:

• I-295
• I-76
• I-676
• I-195
• I-78
• I-80
• I-280
• I-287

The restriction DOES NOT apply to:

• New Jersey Turnpike
• Garden State Parkway
• Atlantic City Expressway

The commercial vehicle travel restriction in New Jersey applies to the following vehicles:

• All tractor-trailers
• Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
• Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
• Recreational vehicles
• Motorcycles

Transportation officials are reminding motorists:

• AVOID UNNECESSARY TRAVEL during the storm
• If road conditions deteriorate, GET OFF THE ROAD somewhere safe and wait it out
• Always STAY CLEAR of plows and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass
• DO NOT PASS between trucks that are in a plow formation
• Be patient and use caution
• Have a preparedness kit in your car with water, charged mobile phone, blanket, and snacks

Executive Order No. 57 declares a state of emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey, allowing resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm.

“As a winter storm is expected to impact our State, we are urging residents of New Jersey to drive with caution and use their best judgment during this time,” said Murphy. “We are actively monitoring the storm and are prepared to deploy any resources available to ensure the safety of the roads.”

New Jersey is expected to experience several inches of snow that may transition to freezing rain.

To prepare for the winter storm, the New Jersey State Police will activate the State Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday at 5 a.m. in order to monitor the storm.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation will also deploy more than 2,500 plows and spreaders to keep roads and communities safe.

The governor encourages New Jerseyans to visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information. New Jersey residents should also pay attention to local forecasts, warnings, and watches.

For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey, visit the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly at http://www.weather.gov/phi/For those living in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area, visit the U.S. National Weather Service New York, N.Y. at http://www.weather.gov/okx/

Tom Davis photo