NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday urged people to stay home as a major winter storm continues to hammer the Tri-State area.
The governor on Sunday declared a state of emergency for New Jersey in anticipation of the blizzard, which could drop up to 2-feet of snow in some areas.
The state of emergency has been in effect since 7 p.m. and impacts all 21 counties of New Jersey, allowing resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm, the governor said.
“State agencies are ready to respond, and we will use every resource at our disposal to ensure the safety of New Jerseyans,” Murphy said.
On Sunday, New Jersey Transit announced that it was temporarily suspending all buses, rail, light rail and Access Link service for the entire day Monday, except the Atlantic City Rail Line, which is operating on a regular weekday schedule.
Gov. Murphy also issued a warning to all residents not to travel and stay indoors.
“If you are out right now and you don't need to be out, safely find your way home, lock the door, sit on the couch and stay home until further notice,” the governor said.
He says roads need to be clear for plows, first responders and power crews as he expects more power outages.
“I always say these power companies: soon, but safe. That's particularly when you got winds like we've got today,” he said.”
New Jersey state troopers had already responded to more than 600 car crashes stranded drivers by 10 a.m.
State offices will be closed on Monday and Tuesday for non-essential personnel, Murphy said.
"Private companies and businesses should dismiss their employees at their own discretion," the governor said.
All vaccine mega-sites will also be closed both on Monday and Tuesday.
The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated and troopers throughout the state are ready to assist residents and drivers both on and off of the highways for the duration of the storm, State Police Col. Patrick Callahan said.
Officials warned residents to expect outages and said they’re in communication with utilities.
Parts of New Jersey could see over a foot of snow Monday and almost the entire state is under a winter storm warning.
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