NJ state of emergency lifted; Gov. Sherrill urges caution as temps drop

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (WPVI) -- New Jersey officials lifted a statewide emergency declaration at noon Monday following a snowstorm that dropped up to 10 inches in parts of South Jersey.

As temperatures continue to drop, Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged residents to remain cautious on the ice, saying crews are working to salt roads.

"Just because you see black top doesn't mean you can't exercise caution," Sherrill said.

The governor commended residents for staying off the roads during the storm, saying empty highways helped crews clear major roadways more quickly.

"In the most densely populated state in the country, we had empty highways," she said.

Burlington County was among the hardest-hit areas, with snowfall totals ranging from 6 to 10 inches. Mount Holly recorded about 9.5 inches, leaving large piles of snow and neighborhood streets still covered hours after the storm ended.

"It's really heavy snow," said Jim Lemyre of Mount Holly. "I was hoping for 4 inches! When they plow it in, this stuff... extra heavy."

Municipal crews worked to clear county parking lots while business owners used snowblowers to open sidewalks. Even children joined in.

"She's 7... she's a very good helper," said Atiya Laguna, whose daughter helped shovel outside their Mount Holly home. "It's a lot of work!"

Some residents said the cleanup would take longer than expected.

"I was working myself up to doing this job. I thought it'd maybe take an hour, it's gonna take all day, I think," Lemyre said.

State officials said all highways, the Parkway and Expressway were back to bare pavement by Monday morning, and the focus has shifted to de-icing operations.

Most rail lines resumed service by noon, though many were operating on a weekend schedule. Light rail service was running for the morning commute, and 85 bus routes were back in operation. Newark Liberty International Airport was also ramping up operations.

PSE&G reported power had been restored to more than 3,000 customers.

State police said 206 motor vehicle accidents were reported during the storm and warned that hazards remain, asking drivers to stay off the roads when possible, to allow crews to continue salting.

"Now it's post-crisis cleanup and making sure we keep everyone safe during this cold weather," Sherrill said