In a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter, the Tri-State area, particularly Long Island and New Jersey, has been battered by a powerful winter storm, prompting widespread advisories and the declaration of a state of emergency in several areas. With double-digit snow totals reported across Long Island and New Jersey, the region is grappling with significant travel disruptions and potential power outages.
The storm, which brought heavy snowfall and sleet, has led to a variety of challenges. Nassau and Suffolk counties in Long Island have seen totals ranging from 7 to 12 inches with some areas reporting significant accumulations. The town of Levittown led reported totals at 7.2 inches, while North Patchogue, Center Moriches, and Remsenburg-Speonk each reported 7 inches. This widespread snowfall has created hazardous driving conditions, causing numerous accidents and stranding motorists. In response, New Jersey Transit (NJTransit) has suspended many of its services, leaving commuters stranded and frustrated.
The severity of the storm has prompted state officials to take drastic measures. Governor of New Jersey has declared a state of emergency, activating the State Emergency Operations Center. This declaration enables local and state agencies to coordinate efforts more effectively, ensuring that essential services can be maintained despite the challenging conditions. The state of emergency also allows for the mobilization of additional resources, including snowplows, emergency vehicles, and utility crews, to assist in recovery efforts.
The snowstorm began on January 25, 2026, as a winter storm blanketed the New York City metropolitan area and the broader Tri-State region with snow, creating challenging travel conditions and prompting widespread advisories. While snowfall totals varied considerably across the region, some areas reported several inches of accumulation. This storm comes as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather, which can disrupt daily life and strain emergency services.
In New Jersey, the National Weather Service's latest storm total snow forecast shows widespread snowfall amounts ranging from 8 to 18 inches, with the highest totals expected farther north. Town-by-town snowfall totals highlight the uneven distribution of the snow, with some areas receiving significantly more accumulation than others. In New Jersey, several towns reported over a foot of snow, adding to the already challenging conditions.
Despite the heavy snowfall, the storm is expected to move out of the region by Monday afternoon, bringing some relief to the areas affected. However, the aftermath of the storm will continue to pose challenges as communities work to clear roads, restore power, and assist those in need. The timing and estimated totals suggest that the storm may change over to sleet or freezing rain between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in New York City, central and southern New Jersey, and the south shore of Long Island.
