Nor’easter Impacts Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, NJ – A nor'easter hit New Jersey on Wednesday. The National Weather Service labeled the "major" system a "nor'easter" since it's expected to produce strong, sustained damaging winds and precipitation over a 24-hour period on Wednesday.

The storm was expected to be fierce enough to bring down power lines, especially in Monmouth County, and more was expected to arrive overnight and into Thursday (see the forecast below).

As of 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, there was six inches of snow on the ground in Howell, according to the National Weather Service. According to JCP&L, there were isolated power outages Wednesday night in Hazlet, Red Bank, Rumson, Asbury Park and the tip of Sandy Hook.

Holmdel so far was the worst hit, with up to 20 customers out due to trees bringing down power lines. View outages HERE. To report downed wires or power outages call JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), text OUT to LIGHTS (544487).

Middletown schools are going to be all virtual, for all students on Thursday, however the district may make it a traditional snow day, as power outages would impact students’ and staff’s ability to participate in online instruction, said superintendent Mary Ellen Walker.

Middletown had more than 150 pieces of equipment out on the roads Wednesday night to keep them clear. NJ Transit shut down all buses and trains as of 8 p.m. Wednesday night.

Call 911 for emergencies. Call 732-615-2100 for snow-related hazards.

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. Read more: Gov. Murphy Declares State Of Emergency For NJ Nor'easter Snow

AccuWeather was 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.

Here is the forecast:

• Wednesday night: Snow or rain before 1 a.m., then snow and sleet between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., then snow after 2 a.m. The snow, rain and sleet could be heavy at times. Low around 27. Blustery, with a northeast wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45-55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.
• Thursday: Snow or rain likely, mainly before 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 to 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.