The winter storm warning has been upgraded to a blizzard warning for portions of Central New Jersey, Northern New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. The warning will be in effect from 8 p.m. Monday until 6 p.m. Tuesday.

High winds and near blizzard conditions are likely for a few hours in eastern Pennsylvania and portions of northern New Jersey, where snowfall rates of two to four inches per hour are expected. The area could receive between 12 and 16 inches of snow or more.

According to the National Weather Service, the winter storm could be life threatening for those
who do not pay attention to safety precautions Tuesday morning. Low pressure developing off the Carolina coast Monday evening will become an intense storm as it moves east of New Jersey midday Tuesday.

The snow will begin between 10 p.m. and midnight Monday, becoming heavy at times with snowfall rates of three to four inches per hour for several hours Tuesday morning. Snow could mix with sleet for several hours Tuesday morning, which could reduce overall snow amounts. The snow is expected to stop late in the day Tuesday.

Many roads will be impassable because of the heavy snow, and widespread power outages are possible due to the weight of the snow on tree limbs and power lines. Strong winds could lead to blowing snow, reduced visibility, and additional power outages. Northeast winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 miles per hour are possible. Visibility will be less than a quarter mile for several hours, according to the National Weather Service. The temperature will be about 30 degree.

A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibility are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

In Princeton, Montgomery and South Brunswick, officials have already sent out notices reminding residents that there is no parking allowed on snow covered streets during and after storms until plowing is completed.

Several older residents in Princeton and Montgomery have contacted Planet Princeton saying they have no one to shovel the snow from their driveways or sidewalks. They are willing to pay a teen, a worker or a company. If you are willing to help, send an email to editor@planetprinceton.com or text 609-375-8920.

Power Companies

If you are a PSE&G customer and you lose power, call 1-800-436-7734 or notify PSE&G via your mobile device by following the link.

If you are a JCP&L customer, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877) to report an outage or go to www.jcp-l.com.

Do not approach a downed wire. Assume a wire is live with electricity and report it to your power company.

Remove or otherwise secure all outside materials which may become airborne during high wind gusts.

Fill up gas tanks and keep a blanket, flashlight & emergency kit in car.

Keep cell phones charged and flashlights handy in the event of a power outage.

If you own a generator, check that it is in working order now. Make sure it is properly ventilated when in use.

Power outage prep may include storing potable and flushing water, and keeping batteries, food, medications & other needed supplies on hand.

Municipal and Government Services

All state offices will be closed Tuesday.

All Mercer County offices will be closed and court sessions have been cancelled.

The Princeton Public Library is closed Tuesday and due dates will be waived until the storm passes.

Princeton municipal offices closed Tuesday.

Princeton garbage collection scheduled for Tuesday, March 14th has been cancelled and rescheduled for Thursday, March 16th. Organics will not be picked up this Wednesday, March 15th. Pick up will resume next Wednesday, March 22nd.

The freeB bus is cancelled for Tuesday. This includes the commuter and neighborhood routes.

Princeton Municipal Court session is cancelled for Tuesday.

South Brunswick Municipal Complex closed.

South Brunswick Senior Center – All programs and services cancelled

South Brunswick Municipal Court – Closed

South Brunswick garbage and recycling is cancelled and all material will be collected Wednesday.

Closures and Cancellations

Most Tuesday events will be cancelled or rescheduled. We will post the new dates for the rescheduled events. We will post school and government closures when closings are official. Many area businesses already posted notes on their doors Monday afternoon alerting customers that the stores will be closed on Tuesday due to the storm. If your business is open or your event is still happening on Tuesday, email is at editor@planetprinceton.com or send a tweet to @planetprinceton and we will notify readers. Please put your safety first and the safety of your employees and stay home if you can. Area residents have already stormed the grocery stores and stocked up for the blizzard and are prepared to stay in.

Schools

Princeton University officials will decide by 6 a.m. on Tuesday whether the school will be open. All other colleges and universities in the county will be closed.

All public schools and private schools in Mercer County are closed for Tuesday.

St. Cecilia Catholic Church – all masses and services for Tuesday and Wednesday cancelled

St. Augustine of Canterbury School in South Brunswick closed

South Brunswick Police Citizen Academy – Cancelled

The South Brunswick Orchestra Festival has been moved to Wednesday, March 22.

The So Percussion “Steve Reich at 80” events will be rescheduled. The Princeton University Department of Music will inform the public when the new date is confirmed.

The Princeton recording studio of Learning Ally NJ is closed Tuesday.

All Princeton United Methodist Church activities closed for Tuesday.

Tuesday a.m. classes at Princeton Center for Yoga and Health are cancelled. Check back Tuesday for updates about evening classes.

We will report throughout the storm. Send your storm updates, photos and questions to editor@planetprinceton.com, @planetprinceton on Facebook and Twitter, or text 609-375-8920.