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New Jersey Issues State of Emergency, Travel Ban Amid Blizzard

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. state-of-emergency-travel-ban-amid-blizzard.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 20:57 GMT by 6abc News
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

TRENTON, NJ - February 23rd, 2026 - A state of emergency and a full travel ban are currently in effect across New Jersey as a powerful winter storm continues to batter the region. Governor Phil Murphy issued the ban early this morning, restricting all non-essential travel on state roadways. The decision comes as the National Weather Service warns of potentially blizzard-like conditions, including heavy snowfall, strong winds, and drastically reduced visibility.

The travel ban applies to all civilian traffic, with exemptions granted only to critical personnel vital to public safety and infrastructure maintenance. These exemptions include medical professionals responding to emergencies, utility workers working to restore power and ensure essential services remain operational, law enforcement officers maintaining order, firefighters, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, and members of the National Guard who are mobilized to assist with storm response. Transit workers are also exempt, ensuring limited public transportation services can continue for those legitimately requiring them. Furthermore, workers from businesses deemed 'essential' are permitted to travel, though specifics regarding essential business definitions are being clarified by county emergency management offices.

Widespread Disruption and Expanding Regional Impacts

The storm, dubbed 'Winter's Fury' by meteorologists, is proving to be more severe than initially predicted. Snowfall rates are exceeding three inches per hour in some areas, and sustained winds gusting up to 60 mph are creating dangerous blizzard conditions, particularly along the coast. Visibility is near zero in many locations, making travel extremely hazardous. The New Jersey State Police have already reported several minor accidents, and officials fear the situation will worsen as the storm intensifies.

New Jersey is not alone in facing the brunt of this weather system. Neighboring states - New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts - are also experiencing significant snowfall and hazardous conditions, leading to widespread school closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions across the Northeast. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued ground stops at several major airports, impacting thousands of travelers. Power outages are also being reported across the region, with utility companies scrambling to restore service.

Long-Term Concerns and Emergency Preparedness The duration of the travel ban remains uncertain, dependent on the storm's trajectory and the rate of snow accumulation. Officials are urging residents to stay home and off the roads, not only for their own safety but also to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles to operate efficiently. The Department of Transportation is deploying its full fleet of snow removal equipment, but the sheer volume of snowfall is presenting a significant challenge.

This storm highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, a trend experts attribute to climate change. State and local authorities are increasingly focused on bolstering emergency preparedness and investing in infrastructure improvements to mitigate the impact of these events. A recent state-level report on infrastructure vulnerabilities identified several key areas requiring upgrades, including the power grid and transportation networks.

"We are prepared for this, but this is a serious storm," stated Governor Murphy in a press conference this morning. "Our priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. We implore everyone to heed the travel ban and stay home until conditions improve." He also reminded residents of the importance of having emergency kits stocked with essential supplies, including food, water, medications, and flashlights.

Resources for Residents:

• NJ Office of Emergency Management: [ https://www.nj.gov/oem/ ] (link for example only - check for updated information)
• National Weather Service: [ https://www.weather.gov/ ] (link for example only - check for updated information)
• 511NJ Traffic Information: [ https://www.511nj.org/ ] (link for example only - check for updated information)

Residents are encouraged to monitor these resources for the latest updates and advisories. The situation remains fluid, and conditions are expected to deteriorate before they improve. The state is coordinating closely with local authorities and federal agencies to ensure a swift and effective response to the storm's impact.