Gov. Christie Declares State Of Emergency; Travel Ban Issued

TRENTON, NJ (CBS) – As the winter storm moves in, Gov. Christie has declared a State of Emergency in New Jersey.

Christie announced the decision at a press conference on Monday afternoon before urging residents to stay at home and avoid travel.

"I encourage all New Jerseyans to use every caution as they travel today and to remain off the roads whenever possible so that our first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to any emergency situations," he said.

He also authorized a staggered dismissal at 1 p.m. today as well as the closing of state offices on Tuesday for all non-essential employees.

Shortly before 9 p.m., Christie announced via Twitter New Jersey is implementing a travel ban for the entire state beginning at 11 p.m. tonight given the impending storm.

Christie says the travel ban excludes emergency and public safety personnel as well as utility companies and others assisting in storm preparedness and recovery.

Gov. Christie says the following may be considered essential or may be eligible for a travel restriction exemption:

• Police, fire and emergency medical services and authorized emergency management personnel
• Other persons providing emergency medical treatment or other assistance necessary to prevent an immediate threat to life
• Designated emergency government employees
• Persons who are employed, contracted, or responsible for performing duties necessary to:
• Ensure maintenance of acceptable conditions at facilities providing health and medical care, veterinary and/or daily residential care facilities,
• Prevent an immediate danger to the public safety arising from unattended chemical, industrial or other processes involving hazardous materials,
• Restore, maintain, or safely operate a public utility, transportation or communication system,
• Permit operations of a business for the purpose of providing fuel, heating, electrical, plumbing and other services necessary to prevent an immediate threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public,
• Conduct news reporting activities.

He said the travel ban will be subject to revocation at daybreak depending on conditions then.

RELATED: Cold Weather Survival Guide

New Jersey residents should note the potential for power outages and sub-zero wind chills associated with the storm. They should stay in touch with elderly or isolated relatives and friends, and should keep a stash of personal hygiene and other necessary items on hand.

While Christie said the state has about 3,700 trucks that began salting yesterday, he repeatedly warned residents to stay off the roads before joking, "From what I've seen, you've all been to the supermarket in the last 24 hours...I don't know why the rush on bread, but what the heck?"

For more information from the NJ Office of Emergency Management, click here.

In:
• Winter Storm