The Mid-Atlantic is bracing for what officials are calling a potentially historic blizzard, as both New Jersey and Delaware have declared states of emergency in anticipation of a storm that could rival the infamous blizzard of 1996. With the National Weather Service issuing blizzard warnings for both states, leaders are urging residents to stay off the roads, stock up on essentials, and prepare for widespread disruptions that could last through Monday, February 24, 2026.
In New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a statewide state of emergency beginning at noon on Sunday, February 22, marking the first time in three decades that all 21 counties are under a blizzard warning. "This is likely to be the worst storm we have seen since 1996," Sherrill warned, according to WABC. "It is a serious storm. Please take it seriously. Stay inside. Don't travel tonight." The governor emphasized that this storm will be markedly worse than the January snowstorm, which peaked at about one inch per hour. This time, forecasters expect even heavier snowfall rates, paired with powerful winds that could bring down trees, create whiteout conditions, and cause widespread power outages.
Emergency officials in New Jersey are not taking chances. Utility crews, including teams from as far away as Ohio, have been deployed across the state. Thousands of workers are on standby, equipped with 4,500 pieces of equipment and more than 450,000 tons of salt to keep roads as clear as possible once the snow begins to fall. However, officials are clear: even the best preparations may not be enough to keep up with the storm’s intensity.
Beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, a commercial vehicle ban will take effect on all New Jersey highways except the Turnpike, and speed limits on major roadways will be reduced to 35 mph. New Jersey Transit will run buses and light rail only until 6 p.m., with service suspended afterward. Trains are expected to operate into the evening, but officials caution that a shutdown is likely by Sunday night. "This storm is too serious to have people and workers out on public transit in the worst of it," Sherrill said.
Acting State Police Superintendent David Sirota announced that the State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activation and will remain staffed around the clock. Search and rescue teams equipped with high-wheeled vehicles and snowmobiles are on standby. Sirota put it bluntly: "Roads can wait. Your life can't." Coastal flooding warnings are also in effect for multiple counties, adding another layer of risk for communities near bays, rivers, and tidal waterways. Officials reminded residents, "Turn around, don't drown." Anyone in need of warming centers can find resources at NJ211.org.
Frank Gaffney, Director of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, cautioned that utilities are preparing for significant outages statewide. "Although they are well staffed, they cannot be everywhere," Gaffney said. "If you lose power, report it immediately. Don't wait for your neighbor to do so." With state offices closed on Monday, Sherrill urged residents to charge devices, check on elderly neighbors, and avoid all travel through Monday. "Your safety is my top priority," she said. "We will get through this, but please heed the warnings and stay off the roads." The message is clear: work from home if you can, and do not take unnecessary risks.
Just south of New Jersey, Delaware is facing similar challenges. Governor Matthew Meyer declared a State of Emergency effective at noon on Sunday, February 22, as the state prepares for a blizzard expected to last through Monday. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has been on Enhanced Watch since Saturday morning and will move to Full Activation beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday. The Delaware National Guard has also been activated to assist with storm response, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
"I’m declaring a State of Emergency and activating every available state resource to ensure Delawareans are protected as this blizzard blankets our communities, including increased risks for coastal flooding," Governor Meyer said. "Prepare now, please stay off the roads once the storm begins, and look out for your neighbors. We will continue working around the clock to keep every Delawarean safe." According to DEMA, the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for all of Delaware, with anticipated snowfall totals of 12 to 20 inches. Widespread closures and infrastructure impacts are considered likely, and the state expects to issue driving restrictions at three levels: Level 1 (travel with extreme caution), Level 2 (travel only for essential personnel), and Level 3 (travel restricted to emergency and essential workers only).
DEMA has urged residents to prepare homes and vehicles ahead of the storm, recommending emergency supplies such as non-perishable food, water, prescription medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, and battery-powered radios. Automotive preparedness is also stressed: a full gas tank, topped-off fluids, working brakes and wipers, jumper cables, blankets, and scrapers are all must-haves. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System for updates and to follow local traffic advisory radio stations for real-time information.
Safety tips provided by DEMA include dressing in layers, preparing for hypothermia and frostbite, winterizing vehicles, bringing pets indoors, and "buddying up" to assist those with access and functional needs. For those venturing out, officials stress the importance of slow, cautious driving—if travel is unavoidable—and warn to never pass a snowplow or drive faster than conditions allow. Delaware law requires headlights in conditions of poor visibility, and drivers are reminded that bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces.
Both states are relying on robust coordination between emergency management agencies, transportation departments, public utilities, and the National Guard. The Joint Information Center in Delaware has been activated, and the State Emergency Operations Centers in both states are running around the clock. Residents are being kept informed through a variety of channels, from emergency notification systems to radio broadcasts and mobile apps.
The looming blizzard is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparation. As officials in both New Jersey and Delaware have stressed, the best way to stay safe is to stay home, check on vulnerable neighbors, and heed all warnings and restrictions. With memories of the 1996 blizzard still vivid for many, the region is bracing for a storm that could once again test its resilience and community spirit.
As the snow begins to fall and winds pick up, the hope is that widespread preparedness—and a healthy respect for the storm's dangers—will help both states weather the worst and recover swiftly when the skies finally clear.