Governor Murphy declares State of Emergency for South Jersey due to winter storm
New Jersey issued a state of emergency for Ocean, Cumberland, Cape May, Burlington, and Atlantic counties.
TRENTON, New Jersey (WPVI) -- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency for five counties in South Jersey as a winter storm brings heavy snow to parts of the Delaware Valley.
It went into effect at 9 p.m. Sunday for Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, and Ocean counties.
RELATED: See the latest AccuWeather forecast
The State of Emergency allows resources to be deployed throughout the impacted areas during the duration of the storm.
"The anticipated winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, wind gusts, and coastal flooding in parts of Southern New Jersey," Murphy said in a statement. "Residents should stay off the roads, remain vigilant, and follow all safety protocols."
A list of school closures in New Jersey and across the Delaware Valley continues to grow.
State offices in New Jersey will have a delayed opening on Monday at 10 a.m. for non-weather essential personnel.
The following Cape May County Library Branches will be closed today due to weather conditions; Cape May City, Stone Harbor, Lower Cape, and Sea Isle City. The Wildwood Crest Branch will be closing at 10:30 am.
The Cape May County Park and Zoo will be closed today for the safety and protection of the staff and animals.
Due to the potential for hazardous conditions, Fare Free Transportation is limiting service to dialysis clients only on January 3.
They will also be delivering to the Countywide meal clients. No other service will be provided on January 3. If weather permits, they will resume their regular schedule on January 4.
Please check the County website for updates in government closings, delayed openings, and limited services after January 3.
Atlantic County offices will be closed on Monday as well due to inclement weather.
Atlantic County senior center/nutrition sites will be closed with the exception of Jeffries Towers in Atlantic City.
Meals on Wheels deliveries are still expected to be provided.
This closure does not include county employees in the nursing home, commodities warehouse, central kitchen, animal shelter, jail, sheriff's office and public works.
In Atlantic City, all government offices are closed on Monday.
Essential personnel assigned to public works, 911 communications, police, and fire will report for duty at their normal hours or as directed by their supervisor.
Pending any further weather updates, Atlantic City Government offices will resume normal operations on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
Delaware
In Delaware, which is expected to also see the heaviest of the snow, officials announced offices are closed on Monday during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Non-essential employees are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees designated for severe weather are to report as scheduled.
The City of Newark announced it will open at 10:30 a.m. Monday. Emergency essential employees will report to work as required, whereas non-essential staff will report at 10:30 a.m.
"The City reminds residents and businesses that sidewalks must be cleared of any accumulated snow or ice within 24 hours," Newark officials said.
Due to severe weather conditions, Judicial Branch offices will be closed in all three counties Monday. Justice of the Peace Courts 11 (New Castle County), 7 (Kent County), and 3 (Sussex County) will remain open.
Pennsylvania/Philadelphia
PennDOT crews reported early Monday morning. They loaded up salt trucks before being dispatched across the area.
While Philadelphia is expected to see some accumulation, the snow totals are not supposed to be especially high across Pennsylvania, but even a little snow can get messy.
PennDOT crews started treating the roads in the city and Montgomery County on Sunday ahead of the snow.
If you do come across a working plow, PennDOT reminds drivers to remain at least six car lengths behind.
A PennDOT spokesperson says they are staffed and ready to go, but that one potential issue could be the timing of the storm and whether it intensifies during the rush.
