During a Sunday news conference, Gov. Mikie Sherrill asked everyone to avoid unnecessary travel and stay home during the storm if possible.
"We are urging all New Jerseyans to use caution, stay off the roads, and follow all safety protocols during the storm," Sherrill said.
Residents are asked to visit Ready.NJ.gov for updates.
The storm could bring more than a foot of snow to most of New Jersey, and areas along the coast could see up to 18 inches.
AccuWeather is forecasting blizzard conditions at the shore, along with 50-mile-per-hour wind gusts, flooding and beach erosion.
MANDATORY TRAVEL RESTRICTION
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, under the Division of the New Jersey State Police, issued a mandatory travel restriction beginning 9 p.m. Sunday.
All non-exempt vehicles are prohibited from operating on state, county, municipal, and interstate roadways during this period.
The New Jersey Turnpike is exempt from this restriction.
Violators may face penalties under state law.
The following vehicles are exempt from the restriction:
-Emergency and public safety vehicles and personnel
-Public works and snow removal crews
-Public transportation vehicles and personnel
-Government officials conducting official business
-Utility company vehicles and personnel
-Healthcare workers and urgent medical travel
-Personnel supporting emergency shelter operations and human services facilities
-Delivery of critical medical supplies and services to healthcare facilities
-News media
-Private snow removal contractors
-Patients seeking urgent critical care and their escorts
-Travel necessary to maintain critical infrastructure and essential services, including energy, fuel, food, pharmacies, and hardware stores
-Personnel supporting airline and airport operations
NJ TRANSIT
New Jersey Transit suspended all rail service at 9 p.m. Sunday.
NJ Transit has previously said that all bus, light rail and Access Link services will be temporarily suspended as well.
NJ Transit will be assessing the impacts of the storm throughout the overnight on Sunday into Monday to determine when it is safe to resume service.
Customers should continue to monitor service alerts, njtransit.com, the NJ TRANSIT mobile app or their individual line account on X for the latest service updates.
BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AT SHORE
Atlantic City officials say they have not seen a storm this severe since 2016, as a powerful blizzard swept across the region Sunday.
While most residents sought shelter, some workers and visitors still found themselves outside in the dangerous conditions.
"I never did this before. This is the first time I've come out in a snowstorm to go to work," said Jonathan Mitchell of Lawnside, New Jersey.
Others ventured out simply to experience the storm firsthand.
"Well, I heard there was a blizzard, and I didn't want to miss it!" said Bud Corey of Springfield, Delaware County.
Wind whipped snow across Atlantic City's streets and boardwalk as police patrolled snow-packed roads.
Blizzard arrives in AC as some navigate treacherous conditions
Snow coated everything from sidewalks to casino entrances, and walking became hazardous.
"I don't really like it. I just slipped and fell and twisted my ankle," said Skylar Sanjuan of Tampa, Florida.
Another visitor, Robert Buchman of Atlantic City, added, "The boards are always slippery. Any moisture and they can be slimy."
Plows passed over the boardwalk several times an hour, but the snowfall accumulated too quickly to keep the surfaces clear. Many visitors sought refuge inside casinos and hotels.
SEE ALSO | State of Emergency declared for New Jersey as residents brace for major winter storm
Corey noted one advantage of staying at a casino: "I don't have to shovel any snow from my car or dig it out because it's in Caesar's parking garage... That's the whole plan."