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The arctic express has gripped New Jersey, bringing sub-zero wind chills and prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Cold Weather Advisory for much of the state until noon on Wednesday (January 22). Temperatures are expected to drop to single digits, with the coldest conditions in Sussex, Morris, Warren, and Hunterdon Counties, where wind chills could make it feel like 15 degrees below zero. Residents are advised to bundle up, dress in layers, and cover all exposed skin to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
The cold snap follows a significant winter storm that brought 5 to 8 inches of snow to parts of New Jersey, with up to 10 inches in higher elevations. The storm, which began on Sunday (January 19), led Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency across all 21 counties. He urged residents to stay off the roads and emphasized the state's preparation efforts for the storm and the frigid temperatures expected to follow.
The National Weather Service warned of hazardous travel conditions due to icy and slippery roads, especially in Sussex, Warren, Morris, and Hunterdon counties. Forecasters noted that temperatures would remain dangerously cold through the week, with wind chills dipping below zero in some areas. The cold stretch is expected to be the most significant of the season, with highs on Tuesday (January 21) forecasted in the teens and overnight lows plunging to single digits.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure, ensure pets are kept indoors, and monitor updates from the National Weather Service. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday (January 20) may help alleviate road congestion, allowing snow removal crews to clear highways and local roads.