Lead
Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a statewide State of Emergency effective 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, as a severe winter storm moves into New Jersey. The order covers all 21 counties and responds to dangerous conditions driven by heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Forecasts expect 5 to 8 inches of snow in parts of the state with temperatures remaining below freezing through the weekend, prompting travel warnings and prepositioned response crews. The State issued Executive Order No. 409 and directed transportation restrictions and readiness measures to reduce risk to residents and emergency workers.
Key Takeaways
- State of Emergency declared by Acting Governor Tahesha Way effective 1:00 p.m., December 26, 2025, across all 21 New Jersey counties.
- Snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches are forecast in parts of the state, with subfreezing temperatures expected through the weekend.
- Executive Order No. 409 remains active until officials determine the emergency has ended.
- New Jersey Department of Transportation activated crews and contractors ahead of the storm to respond to road conditions.
- DOT will issue a commercial vehicle restriction at 3:00 p.m. for tractor-trailers, empty CDL trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles towing trailers on I-78, I-80, I-280, I-287, and Route 440.
- Officials urge residents to avoid travel during the storm, monitor local forecasts, and consult ready.nj.gov for preparedness information.
Background
New Jersey faces frequent winter storms that can quickly produce mixed precipitation and slick surfaces, especially when temperatures hover around freezing. This event combines heavy snow with sleet and freezing rain, which increases the likelihood of hazardous roadways, downed tree limbs, and localized power outages. State emergency declarations are a common tool to centralize resources and streamline interagency coordination, allowing the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, DOT, and county authorities to mobilize under unified direction.
Executive Order No. 409 follows established protocols used in prior winters to enable rapid response, mutual aid, and access to state resources. The Department of Transportation routinely stages personnel and equipment when forecasts indicate significant snowfall or icing to keep major corridors passable. Commercial vehicle restrictions are used to reduce accidents and blocking incidents that can impede plowing and emergency access.
Main Event
Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed Executive Order No. 409 declaring a State of Emergency effective at 1:00 p.m. on December 26, 2025. State officials cited forecasts of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain and warned that travel would be dangerous for much of the holiday period. The declaration covers all 21 counties to ensure resources and directives apply statewide rather than being limited to affected regions.
The Department of Transportation placed crews and contracts on notice and ready to deploy before conditions deteriorate. At 3:00 p.m., DOT will implement a commercial vehicle restriction on major corridors — I-78, I-80, I-280, I-287, and Route 440 — barring tractor-trailers, empty CDL trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles towing trailers. The restriction aims to reduce incidents that could block lanes and delay plowing operations.
State officials are advising residents and visitors to postpone nonessential travel, prepare for prolonged subfreezing temperatures through the weekend, and monitor local advisories from the National Weather Service. Ready.nj.gov has been highlighted as the primary state portal for preparedness guidance and links to local forecasts. Officials emphasized that the executive order will remain until they determine the emergency conditions have sufficiently abated.
Analysis & Implications
The statewide emergency declaration is designed to expedite coordination among state, county, and municipal responders and to provide legal authority for resource deployment and travel restrictions. By covering all counties, the state removes jurisdictional ambiguity and allows assets to be shifted to the hardest-hit areas quickly. That centralized posture shortens response times but also requires accurate, real-time assessment to allocate limited crews where they are most needed.
Transportation restrictions on major interstates are a common mitigation tactic. Limiting heavy and hard-to-control vehicles reduces the number of blocking incidents that can immobilize plows and hamper emergency vehicles. However, restrictions also disrupt supply chains and commercial deliveries; officials must balance public safety gains against economic and logistical impacts, especially for time-sensitive freight and shipments serving hospitals and utilities.
The forecasted 5 to 8 inches of snow, combined with sleet and freezing rain, elevates the risk of localized power outages from fallen tree branches and complicates clearing operations. Prolonged below-freezing temperatures can extend icing on untreated surfaces, increasing the likelihood of secondary incidents such as spinouts and pileups. For vulnerable populations, extended cold increases health risks; warming centers and outreach through local human services will be important if power losses occur.
Comparison & Data
| Measure | This Storm (Dec 26, 2025) | Typical Moderate NJ Winter Storm |
|---|---|---|
| Forecasted Snow | 5–8 in. | 3–6 in. |
| Primary Hazards | Snow, sleet, freezing rain | Snow, occasional freezing rain |
| Geographic Scope | All 21 counties | Regional, often north-central |
This comparison shows this event is expected to be near or slightly above a typical moderate winter storm for New Jersey due to the mixed precipitation profile and statewide reach. The presence of sleet and freezing rain increases complexity for road treatments and elevates the risk of icing compared with a dry snow event. Officials are thus taking broader, more conservative measures to reduce harm and speed recovery.
Reactions & Quotes
Starting this afternoon, we will experience a severe winter storm bringing dangerous outdoor conditions to our state. This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads.
Acting Governor Tahesha Way, Office of the Governor
Acting Governor Way framed the declaration as a precaution to protect travelers and emergency personnel. The statement underscores the state preference for limiting holiday travel to allow crews to clear roads and respond to incidents safely.
DOT crews and contractors are activated and will be positioned to address forecasted winter weather. A commercial vehicle restriction will be issued at 3:00 p.m. on specified corridors to maintain mobility.
New Jersey Department of Transportation (official advisory)
DOT emphasized operational readiness and the tactical use of vehicle restrictions on major interstates to keep lanes open for plows and emergency responders. The agency also advised motorists to monitor travel advisories and avoid nonessential trips.
Residents should check ready.nj.gov and local National Weather Service forecasts for the latest guidance on conditions, watches, and warnings.
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (public guidance)
Unconfirmed
- Widespread prolonged power outage reports across multiple counties are not confirmed at this time; utility impact assessments are pending.
- Claims of large-scale road closures beyond the announced interstate restrictions are unconfirmed; motorists should follow official DOT updates.
- Reports of emergency shelter activations in specific municipalities have not been verified statewide; local officials will confirm as needed.
Bottom Line
New Jersey officials acted preemptively on December 26, 2025, declaring a statewide State of Emergency and activating transportation and emergency response measures to address a winter storm expected to produce 5 to 8 inches of snow and mixed precipitation. The combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain increases hazards and complicates clearing, so travel should be avoided when possible and replaced with careful planning for essential needs.
DOT restrictions launching at 3:00 p.m. on key interstates are intended to keep arteries clear for plows and emergency vehicles, though they will have logistical implications for commercial traffic. Residents should monitor ready.nj.gov, local National Weather Service updates, and municipal advisories for real-time guidance and be prepared for extended cold or localized service interruptions.
Sources
- Office of the Governor — Executive Order No. 409 and emergency advisory (Official state press release)
- National Weather Service New York, NY (NWS OKX) (Federal weather forecast and advisories for northern NJ and NYC metro)
- National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly (NWS PHI) (Federal weather forecast and advisories for central and southern NJ)
- ReadyNJ (State preparedness portal and public guidance)