N.J. Gov. Mikie Sherrill declares state of emergency for winter storm, says salt supply is not running low

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency Friday as weather forecasts project a major snowstorm will impact the entire Tri-State Area this weekend. 

Sherrill held a news conference at the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center in Ewing after the National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings.

"I want to make this really clear, this is not an average winter storm. This is a storm the likes of which we haven't seen in probably about a decade," Sherrill said, on just her fourth day in office. "I, as a veteran, have been raised in crisis management, so we are prepared for this moment, but we do need the people of New Jersey to keep themselves safe as well." 

New Jersey snow forecast

Most of the Garden State could get anywhere from 6-12 inches of snow Sunday into Monday, forecast models show, while parts of North Jersey could end up with more than a foot. 

"We anticipate the storm to impact the entire state beginning on Saturday night through early Monday afternoon. A cold weather advisory is also in effect. So if you need a warming center, please visit NJ211.org to find the one nearest you," the governor said.

Sherrill announced commercial vehicle travel restrictions on interstate highways as a precaution. She said a determination on whether to alter NJ Transit service would be made no later than Saturday morning. 

"I'm urging New Jerseyans to make plans to avoid travel Saturday evening and all day Sunday," Sherrill said. "This is a good weekend to stay in and watch some football, play a board game with your kids, but please, stay off the roads on Sunday." 

Sherrill said there are more than 1,600 pieces of equipment ready to treat the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. Based on the current forecast, the governor said local roads could be fully plowed by Monday afternoon at the earliest. 

Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, acting superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said storm updates will be shared on Facebook and X via the @NewJerseyStatePolice and @ReadyNewJersey accounts. 

Sherrill on potential salt shortage

Some New Jersey counties expressed concerns about a salt shortage in the aftermath of the winter storm, but Sherrill said the state is well stocked and municipalities have access to the salt supply at the Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal. 

"The port has salt. Morton Salt has stopped all private work. They are just working to supply any municipalities or counties. They will have front-of-line privileges," the governor said. "So if you feel you are not prepared for this, now is the time. Get to the port and get the salt you need." 

Video from Chopper 2 showed there were mounds of salt at the port Friday. 

South River and Piscataway officials had said their salt supplies to treat roads were way down because they could not get into Port Newark.

The mayor of South River said the borough only had 25 tons of salt on hand, when there should be several hundred. Mayor Peter Guindi said he pre-ordered salt, but it never arrived and the borough did not have credentials for a pickup. 

"Unfortunately, we're running out, as you see, and it's going to become a problem," Guindi said. 

The Port Authority said in a statement, "Operations continue normally at the port, with salt distributors all reporting ample supply and more on the way. No credential is needed for trucks to access the salt pickup area of the port." 

A Piscataway spokesperson said late Friday afternoon the town was sending six trucks to pick up salt at the port. 

New York state of emergency

Sherrill's emergency declaration came hours after her New York counterpart, Gov. Kathy Hochul, declared a state of emergency Friday morning. 

Hochul also urged New Yorkers to stock up on food, gas, and emergency supplies, and, "Stay home as much as possible," for the duration of the storm.

"The fewer people on the roads, the more our great team ... can be out there salting and clearing the snow and making the roads safe, particularly for emergency vehicles that must be there," Hochul said.

New York's snow forecast is similar to New Jersey's, with 8-12 inches possible in New York City and Long Island, and greater accumulations in the northern suburbs.