By Meteorologist John Cifelli

As of noon today, a few bands of snow have moved across various sections of New Jersey, spreading up to an inch and a half of snow. Most roads are in fine condition as crews have done a good job preparing for the developing coastal storm. At the moment, much of New Jersey is experiencing the advertised lull as the precipitation as the dying clipper low withers, and the precipitation from the strengthening coastal is expanding to our south and east.

Intermittent light snow or snow showers will continue through the afternoon. Winds will remain brisk and temperatures will hold in the mid-30s. As the coastal low takes over and rapidly deepens, snow will break out and spread east to west over New Jersey, around nightfall. Later in the evening rates will intensify and winds will strengthen as well. The heaviest snow and worst wind falls overnight, and by the time we wake up tomorrow the damage is done. Snowfall rates in some places, depending on where the strongest bands set up, will approach 2 to 3 inches per hour. Blizzard conditions (winds of 35mph and a quarter mile visibility, simultaneously) will be felt along the coast and up into New York City, Long Island and eastern and western suburbs. Coastal flooding is a concern for all coastlines, particularly as high tide approaches after midnight tonight. Expect waters to rise three to four feet above their usual stages. The low pressure center, which will be below 980mb and sitting south of Long Island, will mean business!

Model trends confirm my thinking thus far, so there are no changes to the snowfall forecast map issued yesterday. Snow will be wind-whipped and drift in places. Tomorrow morning will be quite the sight. By early afternoon, things are tapering off, with a brisk wind to keep things chilly as we dig out. Thursday may bring another shot at light snow, as winter marches on.