NJ Nor'easter: Snow Forecast Worsens, Winter Storm Warning Issued

The forecast keeps getting worse for what's expected to be the biggest snowstorm to hit New Jersey this season – and the second nor'easter in a week. Some towns could get 12 to 18 inches – but all of New Jersey will be impacted some way or another.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced that a state-of-emergency will go into effect statewide at 8 p.m. The decision makes it easier for the state to use all its equipment and assist communities that are still suffering from last week's nor'easter. The state could ultimately restrict travel to emergency vehicles only.

"We ask you to stay home so the emergency crews can do their work," he said during a press conference.

Read more: Hour-By-Hour Forecast Of Nor'easter Snow Across NJ

Here are the latest snow estimates from the National Weather Service:

The storm has caused schools to close, delay openings or dismiss early on Wednesday and Thursday. Some closed on Tuesday because much of New Jersey is still digging out from the Friday nor'easter. Read more: New Jersey School Closings/Delays List For Wednesday, Thursday

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for 12 counties, where 8 to 12 inches of snow could begin falling on Wednesday morning. A winter storm watch is in effect for five others, where 4 to 6 inches could fall. Winds could also exceed 45 mph. Read more: New Jersey Snow Totals, Town-By-Town - 3/7/18

Here are the alerted areas:

The warnings are in effect from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 3 a.m. Thursday. An inch an hour could fall.

The snow comes just as New Jersey continues to dig out from a major nor'easter that downed trees and power lines, and left streets flood-ridden along the Jersey Shore. More than 40,000 were still without power – particularly in Morris and Sussex counties – on Tuesday as the new storm approaches. Read more here...

Here are the expected snow totals to fall in each area of New Jersey. Much of the Jersey Shore is expected to get less than an inch, but that forecast could change, and that area is supposed to get the strongest winds:

The National Weather Service outlined what New Jersey could be facing:

• It is still possible for areas under a winter storm watch to be upgraded to a warning later Wednesday.
• Snowfall tonight through Wednesday evening will be a heavy, wet snow, and could result in downed trees and power lines, along with additional power outages. Travel will be difficult, if not impossible, especially for the Wednesday evening commute.
• Generally 12 to 18 inches of snow is expected in the southern Poconos and northwest New Jersey, 8 to 12 inches in most of southeast PA and central New Jersey, 4 to 6 inches in the immediate Philadelphia area, and 6 inches or less on the Delmarva and southern New Jersey. Extreme southern NJ and southern Delaware may just get rain.
• Snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour possible especially eastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey during the daylight hours Wednesday.
• Northeast winds developing on Wednesday and becoming northwest for Wednesday night. Sustained wind speeds increasing to 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph probable except gusts up to 45 mph in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Expect downed trees, power outages, and blowing snow.
• Locally minor coastal flooding is possible, mainly along the northern and central parts of the NJ coast.
• Gale force winds and rough seas on the coastal waters of NJ and DE, and on Del Bay. Near storm force wind gusts are possible.

Here is the forecast:

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. Light and variable wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon.
• Tuesday night: Rain, possibly mixed with snow. Low around 33. East wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
• Wednesday: Snow. High near 37. East wind 11 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
• Wednesday night: Snow likely, mainly before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Northwest wind 11 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

(Image: Pedestrians walk during a snowstorm Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)