❄️ Winter storm live updates: Blizzard warning issued for Princeton area; heavy snow expected through Monday (4:05 p.m. update)

Last updated: Sunday, Feb. 22, 4:05 p.m.

We will update this post as new information becomes available. Updates are posted as information is confirmed by officials. Newest updates appear at the top. Stay safe, everyone.

A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions to Princeton and surrounding Mercer County communities beginning later Sunday and continuing through Monday evening. The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a blizzard warning for the region, with forecasters calling for 13 to 21 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour.

Conditions in Princeton were rainy but manageable early Sunday afternoon, but turned to snow just before 2 p.m. Forecasters say travel could deteriorate quickly later in the day as rain transitions to snow. The most intense part of the storm is expected overnight into early Monday, when snowfall rates could exceed two inches per hour and visibility may drop significantly at times.

🔄 Live Updates

Gov. Mikie Sherrill will appear live on News12 at 5:15 p.m. to discuss the winter weather response. You can watch here.

Princeton University is closing for non-essential personnel – Princeton University announced it will close for non-essential personnel beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday because of the approaching winter storm.

Residence halls and residential dining facilities will remain open. Only employees in essential service roles should report for scheduled shifts. University officials also announced that:

• TigerTransit service updates will be posted in the TripShot app
• Athletics facilities will be closed
• The Princeton University Art Museum will be closed
• Firestone Library and branch libraries will be closed
• Dining hours may change; updates will be posted by Campus Dining

Employees reporting to campus are asked to park in the Prospect Avenue, Theater Drive, or Stadium Drive garages and avoid parking on top levels. The university said an additional update on operations is expected by 9 p.m. Sunday.

4 p.m. – Franklin Township is the first area town todeclare a state of emergency.  This declaration gives the Police Department the authorization to carry out the following: Enforce no parking and tow vehicles on all municipally owned streets or highways. The Office of Emergency Management, Police Department, Department of Public Works, and other emergency responders are authorized to use off-road vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles to carry out emergency tasks and to close roads and establish detours.

2:35 p.m. – Recycling scheduled for pickup on Monday, Feb. 23 has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28.

2:30 p.m. — Speed limits reduced statewide on major highways
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has temporarily lowered speed limits to 35 miles per hour on major highways statewide beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday as the winter storm approaches.

The emergency order applies to:

• All Interstate highways in New Jersey
• All U.S. and State highways
• The New Jersey Turnpike
• The Garden State Parkway
• The Atlantic City Expressway

Transportation officials say the reduced speed limits are intended to improve safety as snow and strong winds move into the region. Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid unnecessary travel.

2 p.m. — Blizzard warning in effect for Mercer County
The National Weather Service says a major winter storm is expected to intensify later today, with rain changing to snow this afternoon and the heaviest snowfall arriving overnight.

Statewide emergency declared
Gov. Mikie Sherrill has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm and is urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel Sunday night and Monday.

NJ Transit planning service suspensions
NJ Transit officials say bus, light rail, and Access Link service will be suspended starting at 6 p.m. Sunday as conditions worsen. Rail service adjustments are expected later and will be announced as conditions evolve.

New Jersey Department of Transportation restrictions
(NJDOT) Acting Commissioner Priya Jain has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey starting at 3 p.m. Sunday.

What Princeton residents should expect

Travel conditions are expected to worsen Sunday evening and remain hazardous through much of Monday. Blowing and drifting snow may make some roads difficult to navigate, especially on smaller residential streets, until plows can reach them.

Strong winds combined with heavy snow could bring down tree branches and power lines, raising the possibility of scattered power outages across the region.

Residents shouldcomplete errands and preparations now and return home before conditions deteriorate.

🚗 Travel, roads and safety

Officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel so plow crews can work safely.

Drivers who must travel are advised to:

• Slow down and allow extra stopping distance
• Stay well behind plows and spreading trucks
• Avoid passing snow-removal vehicles
• Carry an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, and a phone charger

Road conditions are available by dialing 511.

⚠️ Stay away from downed wires and call 911 to report hazardous conditions.

‼️ Plows will need to clear streets, so do not park on public roads. Your car could be ticketed and towed.

⛄️ Sidewalk & Path Clearing Property owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Residential property owners should clear at least 4 feet of sidewalk width. Businesses should clear from the business entry to the curb. If ice cannot be removed, treat with sand, cat litter, or a similar material. Do not push or pile snow into the roadway when clearing driveways 🚒 Clear ice around fire hydrants. Clear 3 feet around the hydrant in all directions and make sure there is a clear path from the street to the hydrant. Clear to the ground (not just the top visible)

🚆 NJ Transit service changes

NJ Transit officials say crews will continue operating equipment overnight without passengers to keep tracks and overhead wires clear of snow and ice. Service updates will be posted through NJ Transit alerts and its mobile app.

⏱️ How long will the storm last?

Snow is expected to taper off gradually during the day on Monday, though strong winds and blowing snow could continue creating hazardous conditions into the evening.

Residents are encouraged to prepare for possible power outages and monitor local announcements for schedule changes or closures.

⚡ If you lose power: who to contact

Residents who experience power outages should report them directly to their electric utility provider rather than calling local police unless there is an immediate emergency.

PSE&G (serves Princeton and much of Mercer County)

• 📞 Report an outage: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
• 💻 Online outage reporting and updates: pseg.com/outage
• 📱 Outages can also be reported through the PSE&G mobile app or text alerts for enrolled customers.

JCP&L (serves some neighboring towns in the region)

• 📞 Report an outage: 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
• 💻 Online outage reporting and outage map: firstenergycorp.com/outages
• 📱 Customers can also report outages by texting OUT to 544487.

Residents should stay far away from any downed wires and assume they are live. Downed power lines or dangerous conditions should be reported immediately by calling 911.

When to call 911 vs. the utility

Call 911 if:

• A power line is down
• You see sparks, fire, or smoke
• A tree has fallen onto electrical wires
• There is an immediate safety hazard

Otherwise, report outages directly to your utility company so crews can prioritize restoration.

Have photos, local conditions, or another news tip to share? Email tips@planetprinceton.com.