Nor’easter Forecast In Lakewood: What To Expect

LAKEWOOD, NJ – A major nor'easter is expected to impact Lakewood on Wednesday, producing heavy rain and packing 35- to 55-mph winds.

The National Weather Service is now labeling the major system a nor'easter since it's expected to produce strong, sustained damaging winds and precipitation starting Wednesday afternoon.

Lakewood officials issued an alert warning residents to prepare for the strong winds and widespread road flooding, which could be possible in low-lying areas.

Lakewood could see some snow overnight Wednesday into Thursday; AccuWeather's forecast estimates the area will see 1 to 3 inches of snow.

The storm will be fierce enough to knock down power lines and cause power outages and other damage, packing gale-force winds as strong as 35 to 55 mph across the state between 7 a.m. on Wednesday and 7 a.m. on Thursday.

Here are predicted wind speeds, as of Tuesday evening:

Snow is expected to be heavy to the north and west parts of the state, with 18 to 24 inches expected. State officials said they have more than 400 pieces of road equipment available to make the roads safe, even though fewer people are taking to the roads because of the coronavirus outbreak.

AccuWeather is saying the system could be the "most significant winter storm in several years," one that could potentially become highly impactful and disruptive as the first round of coronavirus vaccines continue to be shipped around the country.

AccuWeather is warning of major disruptions to travel and even travel shutdowns, as well as shipping delays, school closings and power outages from this storm – even though a number of New Jersey school districts have said they'll opt to go remote instead of closing.

Here is the forecast:

• Wednesday: Snow and/or rain, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 28. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• Wednesday night: Snow and/or rain. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 22. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of two to 14 inches possible.
• Thursday: A chance of snow before 8 a.m., then a chance of snow showers, mainly between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
• Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

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