Officials Urge Caution On The Roads As Snow Blankets The Garden State
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Gov. Chris Christie, police and others were urging caution on the roads as wet, dense snow blanketed New Jersey on Thursday.
A winter storm warning was expected to remain in effect for most of the state until 7 p.m. The National Weather Service said 4 to 8 inches of snow was likely in the southern two-thirds of the state with slightly less in northern New Jersey.
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Christie declared a state of emergency and asked motorists to stay off the roads if possible.
"I encourage all New Jerseyans to drive carefully and remain off the roads if possible so that our first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to any emergency situations," he said in a statement.
Despite the governor's warning, accidents were reported around the state.
The Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department reported several crashes Thursday morning, including two in the same location where a car went into a snow bank on the southbound interchange 2 off ramp to U.S. 9 West.
2nd time today, same location. PLEASE SLOW DOWN says P.O. G. Kimbro #368 who's back on the scene. pic.twitter.com/8I65UuAGTO
— ParkwayPolice (@ParkwayPolice) March 5, 2015
New Jersey State police said a tractor-trailer jack-knifed on I-287 in Mahwah, blocking lanes.
In a tweet, police said there were also minor crashes in plenty of other areas and warned drivers to "Stay home or be prepared."
Mahwah: jack-knifed TT on 287 MP66.7 still has L lanes N&S blocked. Minor crashes in plenty of areas. Stay home or be prepared. #SlowRide
— NJSP - State Police (@NJSP) March 5, 2015
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden told CBS2's Christine Sloan, "We're just recommending to our residents to stay home. Please do so. Let the road crews do their work."
But many drivers were forced to face slick roads and snowy conditions.
"There is a lot snow, a lot of slushy snow," one man told 1010 WINS Glenn Schuck. "But there's a lot of plows taking care of the snow, they're doing a great job."
Others said they hoped this would be the last snowstorm they would have to deal with this season.
"It's depressing," one man told 1010 WINS' Rebecca Granet.
It was an equally frustrating day for state residents shoveling all the white stuff.
"The snow is very heavy today. Actually, I snapped the shovel. Luckily, I carry about three of them," Monmouth County resident Dave Hoch told Sloan.
Officials closed state offices on Thursday.
NJ TRANSIT buses and trains were cross-honoring tickets.
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