North Jersey Highlands Brace for Up to 5 Inches of Early Tuesday Snow as Coastal Storm Tracks Offshore
WEST MILFORD, NEW JERSEY — Higher elevations in northern New Jersey could see heavy early-morning snowfall on Tuesday as a coastal system moves offshore, potentially dropping up to 5 inches across the Highlands region and creating dangerous road conditions before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service, snow will begin developing between midnight and 3 a.m., with the heaviest bands expected during the pre-dawn hours.
Highlands Could See Up to 5 Inches Overnight
Forecasters say western Passaic County and elevated portions of Sussex County have the greatest chance of accumulating 3–5 inches, especially in towns like West Milford, Vernon, and Highland Lakes.
Snowfall rates may briefly exceed an inch per hour, allowing quick road coverage on untreated surfaces.
Local routes, including Route 23 and surrounding township roads, may become slick or fully snow-covered, posing hazards for residents heading south toward Morris and Essex counties.
Sharp Snow–Rain Divide Creates Uncertain Accumulation Line
While northern areas brace for plowable snow, a steep gradient exists between the wintry precipitation and warmer air farther south.
Communities closer to Newark, East Orange, and the I-78 corridor will likely see rain or wet snow with little to no accumulation, thanks to slightly higher temperatures.
Because the storm’s rain–snow line sits near the northern suburbs, even small track or temperature changes could shift totals significantly before morning.
Residents Urged to Prepare for Early-Morning Impacts
Officials recommend charging phones, preparing for early snow removal, and monitoring updates late Monday night as forecast details sharpen.
Winter Weather Advisories may be issued if confidence in higher accumulations increases.
The storm is expected to taper off by Tuesday afternoon, though lingering slick spots may remain across shaded and elevated surfaces.
Five-Day Forecast for West Milford, NJ
Sunday: Partly sunny, high 43°F
Monday: Overcast, high 41°F; snow likely overnight
Tuesday: Snow early, tapering by afternoon, high 35°F
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high 40°F
Thursday: Clear and cold, high 41°F
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