Freezing Rain to Impact Northern New Jersey’s Travel, Creating Hazardous Conditions for Tourists and Locals

Published on December 27, 2024

Travelers in Northern New Jersey should prepare for potentially hazardous conditions due to freezing rain expected to hit the region late Friday into early Saturday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory, warning of icy conditions that could affect sidewalks, roads, and bridges, making travel risky.

The advisory, which is in effect from 7:00 PM Friday to 9:00 AM Saturday, covers parts of five counties: Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren. These areas could experience ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch, which is enough to create slippery surfaces and pose a danger to pedestrians and drivers alike.

What Causes Freezing Rain?

Freezing rain occurs when raindrops that have already melted from snow or ice freeze on contact with cold surfaces such as the ground, tree branches, or wires. This results in a layer of ice that can make roads and sidewalks treacherous. For drivers, bridges, overpasses, and untreated roadways are particularly vulnerable to becoming slick.

The NWS has urged caution for anyone traveling during the night and early morning hours of Saturday, noting that conditions will be especially dangerous for those out on the roads. “Nighttime travel could become slippery and hazardous, especially along bridges, overpasses, other untreated roadways, and untreated sidewalks,” the weather service cautioned in its Friday morning update.

What to Expect for the Rest of New Jersey

While the northern part of the state faces freezing rain, the rest of New Jersey will experience plain rain throughout the night and into Saturday. The rain will begin Friday evening, though temperatures will remain in the mid-30s, slightly warmer than the previous day.

As the freezing rain continues through the evening, temperatures are expected to hover in the upper 20s to mid-30s. However, the good news is that by Saturday morning, temperatures will gradually rise above freezing, causing the ice to melt and the rain to change to plain rain. Forecasters predict that by mid-morning Saturday, most areas will be free of ice, though Warren and Sussex counties may remain cooler for a little longer.

A Warming Trend on Saturday

As temperatures continue to rise on Saturday, the region will experience a significant warming trend. Highs will range from the lower 40s in the northern parts of the state to the upper 50s in southern areas. This warming will bring relief from the icy conditions that have been affecting travel.

By Sunday, temperatures across most of New Jersey will reach into the 50s, with some areas even experiencing highs in the lower to mid-60s. This shift in temperature is expected to fully end the freeze, bringing a return to more typical winter weather for the region.

Travel Recommendations and Safety Tips

Given the icy conditions expected for Friday night and Saturday morning, it is essential for travelers to exercise extreme caution. Those planning to drive should ensure their vehicles are properly equipped for winter conditions, including having working wipers, defrosters, and tires suitable for icy roads.

Pedestrians should be aware of the potential for slippery sidewalks, particularly in areas where the ice may be left untreated. People should walk carefully and consider using footwear that provides good traction on icy surfaces.

The NWS recommends allowing extra time for travel on Saturday morning to avoid the worst of the freezing rain. Drivers should be aware of possible icy patches, especially on untreated roadways, and reduce speed when traveling through affected areas.

Impact on Local Communities and Commuters

The icy conditions could also impact commuters and local businesses. Roads in the affected counties may be slow to clear, and disruptions to public transportation may occur as trains and buses face delays or service interruptions due to the weather. As such, commuters are urged to check for service updates before heading out on Friday night and Saturday morning.

Local residents should also be prepared for potential power outages due to ice accumulation on power lines and trees. In past storms, similar conditions have led to fallen tree branches and power outages, and residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed about local advisories and take necessary precautions.

Looking Ahead: Improving Conditions

By Saturday afternoon, the weather will improve considerably as temperatures rise and the rain continues. This will be a relief for many in New Jersey who have been dealing with a series of challenging weather events this winter. With the expected temperature increase, the state will gradually shift back to milder winter conditions, offering some respite from the dangerous freezing rain.

The warmer temperatures expected throughout the weekend also signal a return to more typical New Jersey winter weather, with temperatures in the 50s and some regions reaching into the 60s. While the freezing rain will cause temporary disruptions, it is anticipated that the situation will improve quickly by the weekend’s end.

In conclusion, while this weekend’s freezing rain could pose a risk for travel in northern New Jersey, conditions are expected to improve rapidly with a warming trend that will make for safer conditions in time for Saturday and Sunday. Residents and travelers alike are urged to stay updated on weather advisories and exercise caution while navigating the icy roads and sidewalks