storm March 4The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a winter storm warning for Central New Jersey. The warning is in effect from 11 p.m. tonight, March 4, until 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5.

Rain will change to snow from north to south tonight, then continue through a good part of Thursday. Many locations may see a snow and sleet mixture during the transition. For many areas, this could be the biggest snowstorm of the season.

Snow  accumulations are expected to range from 4 to 8 inches across most of the region, with up to 10 inches possible in southeastern Pennsylvania and central and southern New Jersey. The changeover to sleet and snow is expected to begin in most areas after the Wednesday evening commute, except in the southern Poconos and northwest New Jersey, where the changeover could begin before sunset. The snow from this event will tend to be wetter and heavier than previous storms so far this winter.

Driving conditions will deteriorate quickly once the changeover to snow takes place. The worst driving conditions will likely coincide with the Thursday morning commute.

Higher elevations like the Poconos and Northwest New Jersey could see a change to all snow as early as 5 p.m.. For the rest of the region, expect a few hours of a snow and sleet mix after the evening commute, before the weather changes over to all snow during the late evening and early overnight hours as colder air moves in.

Superintendents of public school districts in Mercer County have agreed not to make a decision about closing schools until Thursday morning, Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Steve Cochrane says.

“We have all heard that snow is coming – and perhaps a lot of it,” Cochrane wrote this afternoon. “While I would prefer to make the call tonight regarding the impact on school tomorrow, the superintendents in Mercer County have agreed to wait until morning. After the last prediction of snowmageddon didn’t materialize, there is a desire to see some flakes falling before committing to a decision. It looks likely that we will have at least a delayed opening for school on Thursday, March 5, but please be patient and wait for an announcement early tomorrow morning.”

Closings for Thursday, March 5

State offices will be closed.

Princeton Public Schools will be closed.

Princeton University, classes as scheduled, delayed opening until 10 for non-essential employees.

Morven Museum will be closed.

Montgomery Township offices will be closed.

The  Princeton Chamber lunch with Danielle Allen has been cancelled.

So. Brunswick Public Schools closed. South Brunswick Township Offices have delayed opening of 10 a.m. Thursday.

Planet Princeton will post updates about school closings and other event cancellations as they become available. Check back. Stay warm and safe, and leave extra time if you must drive.