People in New Jersey felt what those in 25 other states experienced, the wrath of Winter Storm Fern.
Although it only traversed the Garden State for one day, “White Sunday” dumped close to a foot of snow in the “Local Talk” area, with some locales north and west going beyond the standard ruler.
In preparation for the storm, Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency effective at 5:00 p.m. on Jan. 24 in anticipation of the severe winter storm, which brought hazardous weather conditions across the state, including heavy and widespread snow, prolonged periods of dangerous temperatures below freezing, and wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour.
Executive Order No. 8 declared the Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a commercial vehicle restriction for all tractor trailers, empty straight CDL-weighted trucks, passenger vehicles pulling trailers, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 25, effective for the following roads:
- I-76 (entire length)
- I-78 (entire length)
- I-80 (entire length)
- I-195 (entire length)
- I-280 (entire length)
- I-287 (entire length)
- I-295 (entire length)
- I-676 (entire length)
- New Jersey Route 440, both directions from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287.
Schools all over New Jersey were closed on Jan. 26 while families dug out of the snow and carefully navigated icy surfaces in sub-20 degree conditions.
In addition to the uncomfortable deluge of snow and ice, the storm caused structural damage, mainly down South, knocking down utility wires and damaging structures. Sadly, at least 18 people perished due to the storm.
On Jan. 26, after the storm passed, Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 9, which ended the Emergency declared by Executive Order No. 8.
