State of New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
12/26/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/26/2025 14:46
Acting Governor Way Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Winter Storm
TRENTON - Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared that New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency effective at 1:00 p.m. today, Friday, December 26, 2025 due to a severe winter storm causing dangerous weather conditions including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Snow accumulations are expected to reach 5 to 8 inches in parts of the state, with temperatures remaining below freezing throughout the weekend. Executive Order No. 409 declares the State of Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey.
"Starting this afternoon, we will experience a severe winter storm bringing dangerous outdoor conditions to our state," said Acting Governor Way. "This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads. Drivers should plan their travel accordingly, monitor conditions and road closures, and follow all safety protocols."
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has activated crews and contractors ahead of the storm so they will be in position and ready to address the forecasted winter weather when it arrives later today. DOT will issue a commercial vehicle restriction for tractor-trailers, empty CDL trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles pulling trailers at 3:00 p.m. effective for I-78, I-80, I-280, I-287, and Route 440.
Executive Order No. 409 will remain in effect until it is determined that an emergency no longer exists.
The Acting Governor encourages New Jerseyans to visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information. Residents should also monitor local forecasts, warnings, and watches.
For those living in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area, visit the U.S. National Weather Service New York, N.Y. at http://www.weather.gov/okx/
For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey, visit the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly at https://www.weather.gov/phi/
For a copy of Executive Order No. 409, please click here.
State of New Jersey Office of Emergency Management published this content on December 26, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on December 26, 2025 at 20:47 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]