Manchester Nor'easter 2020 Impact: Snow, Rain, Strong Winds

MANCHESTER, NJ — Snow started falling in portions of Manchester Township on Wednesday as a nor'easter that was forecast to drop more than a foot of snow in some parts of New Jersey moved into the area.

The National Weather Service said the nor'easter — named because of the direction of its winds — was expected to bring sustained winds and precipitation through Thursday.

The storm was expected to pack winds gusting to 60 mph, and the strongest part of the storm arrived Wednesday evening, knocking out power to more than 7,500 homes in Ocean County, mostly on the barrier island. Read more: Nor'easter Knocks Out Power In Toms River, On Barrier Island

Have a friend who loves staying on top of what's happening in Manchester? Invite them via email!

While the northwest portion of the state was expected to get the brunt of the snow, there was some that fell in parts of Ocean County Wednesday. Manchester received 4.1 inches of snow as of 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to a report received by the National Weather Service. In Toms River, there was a report of 3 inches of snow and the highest total in Ocean County came from Jackson, with 7 inches as of 9 p.m.

The concerns about the potential impacts of the nor'easter led the Brick Township Schools to announce a fully virtual day for Thursday, with staff and students all remote. Read more: Manchester Schools Virtual, Board Meeting Postponed Amid Storm

Here were the expected snow totals:

A coastal flood warning was in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 3 p.m. Thursday.

The rain and snow were expected to become all rain after midnight, but the wind speeds were expected to increase and remain a concern until about 7 a.m. Sustained winds were expected in the 20- to 25-mph range, with gusts to 55 mph.

For Thursday, rain, snow, and sleet were likely before 7 a.m., with a chance of snow between 7 a.m. and noon. Winds will continue but will be decreasing over the course of the day as the nor'easter moves up and out of the area.

Chance of precipitation is 60 percent and new snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half-inch is possible.

Click here to get Patch email notifications, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Manchester Patch on Facebook.