A major winter storm is forecast to impact Burlington County starting tonight, with the National Weather Service issuing a Blizzard Warning for the entire area. Snow accumulations are expected to range from 18 to 30 inches or more, with heavier totals in the eastern half of the county. Snowfall rates could reach up to three inches per hour between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Wind gusts between 50 and 60 mph are also predicted, which will likely reduce visibility and cause snow drifting. Officials warn that travel during the storm will be extremely dangerous and that residents should prepare for possible extended power outages.
“We’re preparing for the potential of history-making snow and the likelihood of severe impacts,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “We know many residents are snow weary, but this storm is not one anyone should underestimate. Our emergency management team, first responders and County Public Works crews are ready, but it’s imperative that residents remain home and sheltered. We’re also asking residents to check on any family, friends or neighbors who may be vulnerable and in need of assistance. By working together and caring for one another, we will make it through this storm.”
The Emergency Operations Center has been activated at the County Public Safety Building ahead of the storm. It is staffed by emergency management personnel along with representatives from various county departments such as Public Works, Health, Human Services, Information Technology, and others. The center will stay operational throughout the response period.
Burlington County now has 68 trucks equipped for plowing and salting roads—an increase from previous storms—to help keep roads clear as much as possible.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation is reducing speed limits to 35 mph on all interstate and state highways across New Jersey beginning at 3 p.m., including major routes like the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway. This reduced limit will continue until further notice.
A commercial vehicle travel restriction starts at 3 p.m. today on Interstate 295 and other interstates.
NJ Transit announced suspension of River Line service and all bus operations starting at 6 p.m., with rail service adjustments anticipated later in the evening.
Due to subfreezing temperatures and heavy snowfall forecasts, a CODE BLUE Weather Emergency goes into effect at 7 p.m., providing short-term sheltering options for homeless individuals in safe locations. Residents needing Code Blue sheltering can contact Burlington County Board of Social Services or Burlington County Housing HUB during business hours; after hours support is available via NJ 211 by dialing 2-1-1.
Officials urge residents to prepare emergency kits containing three to five days’ worth of food, water, medications, toiletries, first aid supplies, baby items if needed, pet supplies, battery-powered flashlights or radios with extra batteries. They also recommend checking smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms before conditions worsen.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates closely and sign up for real-time alerts through Burlington County Department of Public Safety’s CivicReady Emergency Alert system online at https://co.burlington.nj.us/210/Emergency-Notification-Systems .
Burlington County covers an area of about 827 square miles, making it New Jersey’s largest county by area according to its official website. The county operates under a Board of Commissioners consisting of five members serving at-large; Eve Cullinan currently serves as county administrator (source). The region includes 40 political subdivisions made up of cities, boroughs, and townships.
