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A powerful winter storm has prompted the National Weather Service to upgrade the Winter Storm Warning to a Blizzard Warning for Atlantic City and surrounding areas in South Jersey. The warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Monday (February 23), with forecasters predicting blizzard conditions, record-breaking snowfall totals, and dangerous travel impacts across Atlantic, Cape May, and nearby counties.
According to the National Weather Service, the region could see total snow accumulations between 15 and 22 inches, with winds gusting up to 55 mph. Rain is expected to transition to heavy snow by Sunday afternoon, with the heaviest accumulation and most hazardous conditions occurring Sunday night into Monday morning. Snowfall rates may exceed two inches per hour, and visibility could drop to near zero at times due to blowing and drifting snow.
Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for New Jersey effective Sunday at noon, urging residents to stay home and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. "The heaviest snowfall is expected between Sunday night and Monday morning," Sherrill said at a press conference, adding, "These are very dangerous driving conditions" (NJ.com).
The blizzard is part of a massive storm impacting the entire East Coast, with up to 26 million people under blizzard warnings from Sunday afternoon through Monday. Strong winds and heavy, wet snow are expected to cause scattered power outages, damage to trees, and significant disruption to transportation, including airports and train routes. School schedules and local businesses are likely to be affected as conditions worsen.
Residents are advised to prepare by gathering three days' worth of food, water, and medications, charging phones, and ensuring access to warm clothes and emergency supplies. The National Weather Service and state officials strongly recommend restricting travel to emergencies only during the height of the storm. Those who must travel should carry a winter survival kit and remain with their vehicle if stranded.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve Monday afternoon as the snow tapers off, but hazardous winds and lingering snowdrifts may continue to impact the region into the evening.