Monday, Feb. 23 could be one for the record books as the Meadowlands woke up under what could be the biggest blanket of snow the area has seen. A travel ban is in effect in New Jersey on Monday to keep residents off the roads as the blizzard continues to bear down on the state, the first blizzard warning to cover all 21 counties in three decades.
Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a statewide state of emergency and by Monday morning, more than a foot of snow had fallen as winds continued to whip. The travel ban has been extended to noon.
From East Rutherford and Rutherford to Lyndhurst, Carlstadt, and Hasbrouck Heights, snow bands moved steadily through the region overnight, coating local roads and prompting plow crews to work around the clock. Wind gusts have created blowing and drifting snow in open areas near the Hackensack River basin and along Route 3, worsening already slick conditions.
Meadowlands Impact: Roads, Schools, Stadium District
In the sports and entertainment corridor around MetLife Stadium and the American Dream complex, access roads were snow-covered early, with state and local crews treating Route 120, Route 3, and connecting ramps. Visibility dropped at times below a quarter mile in open stretches — meeting the technical definition of blizzard conditions when combined with sustained winds.
Local school districts across the greater Meadowlands region announced closures or delayed openings, while many municipal offices shifted to remote operations. Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged.
Pedestrians should also use caution. Sidewalks in dense downtown areas like Rutherford and Lyndhurst can become icy quickly as snow compacts under foot traffic.
Broader North Jersey Travel Conditions
Highways
Major arteries across North Jersey — including the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), Garden State Parkway, Route 17, Route 80 and Route 46 — are experiencing:
- Snow-covered lanes in stretches
- Slow-moving traffic
- Spinouts and minor accidents
- Reduced visibility due to blowing snow
State police are urging drivers to avoid all travel. If driving is essential:
- Reduce speed significantly
- Increase the following distance
- Avoid sudden braking
- Watch for black ice on bridges and overpasses
NJ Transit
NJ Transit rail and bus service is not operating; check NJ Transit throughout the day for the latest information.
Airports
At Newark Liberty International Airport, all flights are canceled.
What’s Next?
Forecasters expect snowfall rates to taper later today, but blowing snow and gusty winds could continue to reduce visibility into the evening hours. Total accumulations across the Meadowlands are expected to top 24 inches and could hit 30 inches in some areas.
Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing, meaning untreated surfaces will stay icy.
The National Weather Service indicates that snow will fall until midafternoon, with blizzard-like wind conditions continuing through the evening hours.
Safety Reminders for Meadowlands Residents
- Keep fire hydrants clear in residential neighborhoods.
- Check on elderly neighbors.
- Clear furnace vents of snow buildup.
- Avoid overexertion while shoveling.
For businesses across the Meadowlands commercial corridor, staggered reopening and remote work options may be the safest course until road conditions stabilize.