Wintry mix increases, with icy conditions and closings

December arrived with icy conditions, leaving some local events cancelled on Sunday. The Winter Storm Warning is now in effect and has been expanded. Snow may continue to accumulate until 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, according to the National Weather Service.

Vernon Township and Sussex-Wantage public schools are closed Monday. High Point Regional High School is also closed Monday.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy advised that any NJ residents who have not yet made a winter storm plan, do so now. The Governor said the NY/NJ Port Authority and Departments of Transportation, and law enforcement, and emergency services have taken on a coordinated plan. Today has been mostly a salting operations, officials said.

The National Weather Service advises that totals should range somewhere between 5 to 9 inches in Sussex County from accumulations Sunday through Monday. New Jersey State Troopers, local police, and the National Weather Service advise drivers to use extra caution today and tomorrow due to icy road conditions. Motorists are advised to stay off the road if possible, and to allow extra time if travel is a must.

From the National Weather Service:

- Overnight Sunday night, precipitation will gradually change to all snow from northwest to southeast with the rain/snow line likely just north/west of the I-95 corridor by 7 AM Monday.

Monday is when there is potential for a large change in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service. Rain changes to snow through the morning for the I-95 corridor and the latest indications are there could be a band of moderate to heavy snow that sets up late morning through the afternoon for parts of eastern PA into northern/central New Jersey. This band may not be very wide but could put down 1-2 inch per hour snowfall rates for a time resulting in 4-6+ inches of snowfall accumulation for impacted areas. This could have significant impacts on the Monday afternoon/evening commute. Snow should start to wind down Monday night.

NJ Governor Phil Murphy

"It's one system, but it will behave as if is two," said NJ Governor Phil Murphy in the Sunday evening news conference. "There will be particular accumulation in the northeast of New Jersey." The Governor noted he is delaying a trip to California to remain New Jersey during the storm.

"If you do not have to go out today, please do not, so that crews can do their jobs," Murphy said.

New Jersey State Police

NJSP advise staying clear of plows, and giving extra time if needing to travel.

New Jersey Office of Emergency Management

NJOEM advises caution if seeing downed power lines. Report the lines, and stay clear of it. Take care if traveling, as some locations have lowered the speed limit.

NJ Public Utilities

As of 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, there's a "normal" amount of power outages. Board of Public Utilities Commissioner Joseph L. Fiordaliso advises that it is vital that residents notify their utility company if losing power. "Charge your cell phone, make sure you have a flashlight available."

To report outages

@PSEGdelivers 1-800=436-PSEG.

@JCP_L 1-888-544-4877.

@ACELecConnect: 1-800-833-7474.

NJ Transit

NJ Transit anticipates regular service on its rail, bus, light rail and Access Link services for Sunday and Monday as long as weather conditions permit safe operation. Parts of New Jersey are expected to experience snow and icy roadway conditions with rapid freezing of wet surfaces.

Note: For customers of Bus Route Nos. 196/197, NJ TRANSIT rail will cross-honor bus passes and tickets on the Port Jervis Line trains to/from Harriman, Tuxedo and Sloatsburg through the end of the service day on Monday. Bus service to/from Warwick, N.Y., will originate/terminate at West Milford Park & Ride due to weather conditions. Bus 196 will operate on a snow detour and will not operate on Skyline Drive.

NJ Transit will have personnel and assets in position to address any issues that may arise during or after the storm, which could include downed wires or trees.

NJ Transit's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is open and closely monitoring weather forecasts and conditions as the storm develops. Key personnel will monitor any impacts to the system throughout the duration of the storm.

Travelers are advised to use extreme caution around bus stops, stations and facilities as slippery conditions may exist. Customers should also build extra travel time into their schedules as residual delays and some cancellations may occur from the residual effects of the storm. Snow fighting supplies and equipment have been dispatched across the state and are ready to be deployed as conditions warrant. Visit njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information.

Are you seeing snowy, icy conditions near you? Send your photos and/or videos to Editor.ann@StrausNews.com.