A “severe snowstorm” expected to hit the Tri-State area has triggered state of emergency declarations in New Jersey and New York. “Due to the severe snowstorm, with the potential of icy and slippery conditions, I have declared a State of Emergency across the state beginning this afternoon. Please monitor official updates and remain off the roads unless necessary. Stay safe, New Jersey!” Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way announced. Due to the severe snowstorm, with the potential of icy and slippery conditions, I have declared a State of Emergency across the state beginning this afternoon. Please monitor official updates and remain off the roads unless necessary. Stay safe, New Jersey! — Lt Governor Tahesha Way (@LtGovWay) December 26, 2025 “Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared that New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency effective at 1:00 p.m. today, Friday, December 26, 2025 due to a severe winter storm causing dangerous weather conditions including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Snow accumulations are expected to reach 5 to 8 inches in parts of the state, with temperatures remaining below freezing throughout the weekend. Executive Order No. 409 declares the State of Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey,” a press release read. ABC7 New York shared further: The storm is poised to become the most significant snowstorm to hit New York City in almost four years. The snow will be heavy at times and will greatly reduce visibility, making travel treacherous across the entire region, which is covered in a Winter Storm Warning from the National Weather Service. The storm is powerful but fast-moving and front-loaded, and could deliver 1 to as much as 2 to even 2 1/2 inches an hour of snow at its peak intensity. This kind of intensity — an inch or more an hour — will challenge snow plows working to clear roads. The worst will begin around 7 p.m. Friday and continue until about 1 a.m., but moderate snow will still fall into the morning hours on Saturday. Central Park, for instance, could see a whopping 2 inches an hour of snow by 10 p.m., with similar intensities across parts of the area. Parts of the Hudson Valley have already seen heavy snow by early evening. “I am declaring a State of Emergency for counties affected by this weekend’s winter storm. Take precautions to stay safe: Avoid unnecessary travel and sign up for emergency alerts by texting your county or borough to 333111,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. I am declaring a State of Emergency for counties affected by this weekend's winter storm. Take precautions to stay safe: Avoid unnecessary travel and sign up for emergency alerts by texting your county or borough to 333111. https://t.co/ebmRpZVtVq — Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) December 26, 2025 “A winter storm will be impacting several areas of the state starting this afternoon. I encourage everyone to monitor local forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel. If you have to travel, plan ahead, take it slow, and leave plenty of time to get to where you need to go safely,” Hochul added. A winter storm will be impacting several areas of the state starting this afternoon. I encourage everyone to monitor local forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel. If you have to travel, plan ahead, take it slow, and leave plenty of time to get to where you need to go safely. — Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) December 26, 2025 CBS News noted: New York City is now forecasting higher snow totals across the five boroughs. The city’s Office of Emergency Management said it’s expecting 7-11″ of snow by 1 p.m. Saturday. The department also reiterated its warnings to avoid driving, be careful walking on slippery surfaces, and to not use ovens to heat homes and apartments.