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Updated 7:24 a.m. Jan. 26, 2026: State offices will be closed Jan. 26 due to inclement weather, Gov. Mikie Sherrill ordered. “Employees designated as Weather Essential will report for their normal shift and follow any specific reporting instructions. Employees who were previously scheduled to telework will continue to do so,” the Office of Emergency Management also noted on its website. See more updates here.

Original story, published at 3:29 p.m. Jan. 23:

Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared of state of emergency Jan. 23 as a severe winter storm bears down on the state and region.

The storm, among the largest to make its way to this area in several years, marks a key early test of the Sherrill administration, which began Jan. 20. It is predicted to dump snow, ice, freezing rain and sleet across the state. The latest forecasts call for 8 to 12 inches in South Jersey, and 12 to 18 inches in North Jersey – with the highest totals likely in the northwest part of the state.

The governor announced the state of emergency, which takes effect at 5 p.m. Jan. 24, during a news conference at the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center in Ewing, flanked by key administration officials and cabinet members.

“I just declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties here in New Jersey, as we prepare for dangerous winter weather conditions, including heavy and widespread snow, freezing temperatures, and wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour,” said Sherrill. “I’m urging New Jerseyans to make plans to avoid travel Saturday evening and all day Sunday. I’m also announcing a commercial vehicle travel restriction on interstate highways as a safety precaution to prevent incidents that could delay first responders and impede our plowing efforts.”

Sherrill said the administration is prepared – and utilities and agencies are gearing up with their own preparations and responses.

Not your average winter storm

Sherrill stressed that this was not an average winter storm.

“This is a storm the likes of which we haven’t seen in probably about a decade,” said Sherrill, urging residents to check for updates on Ready.nj.gov. “It’s been a while since we have seen a storm like this. We’re tough. But we need to be prepared. We have to be safe. It’s why I’m asking all of you – please stay off the road. This is a good weekend to stay in and watch some football, play a board game with your kids.

“But please stay off the roads.”

Key agencies laid out their plans – and stressed that they are prepared for the storm.

Please stay with NJBIZ for the very latest on the storm and its impact across New Jersey.