As the Northeast braces for a historic winter storm, governors in both New Jersey and Delaware have declared states of emergency, urging residents to stay indoors and prepare for what officials are calling potentially life-threatening conditions. The blizzard, which has prompted the first warning to cover all 21 New Jersey counties in three decades and a rare statewide blizzard alert in Delaware, is expected to bring heavy snow, powerful winds, and widespread disruptions through Monday, February 24, 2026.
In New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the statewide state of emergency at noon on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The move comes amid updated forecasts showing rapidly deteriorating conditions and the likelihood of severe impacts. "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."
Sherrill made clear that this blizzard will be "considerably worse" than the January storm that brought heavy snow to the region. While that earlier event peaked at about one inch per hour, officials now expect even higher rates, coupled with wet, heavy snow and fierce winds. The combination, according to emergency officials, is likely to cause downed trees, whiteout conditions, drifting, and widespread power outages.
Utility crews, including teams from as far away as Ohio, have already been deployed across New Jersey to respond to outages and clear debris. In addition, a commercial vehicle ban took effect at 3 p.m. Sunday on all highways except the New Jersey Turnpike, and speed limits on major roadways have been slashed to 35 mph. New Jersey Transit suspended all buses and light rail service at 6 p.m. Sunday, with rail service following suit at 9 p.m. "This storm is too serious to have people and workers out on public transit in the worst of it," Sherrill emphasized.
Crews from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Turnpike Authority, and local partners are mobilizing thousands of workers, 4,500 pieces of equipment, and more than 450,000 tons of salt. Their mission: to keep roads clear once the storm passes. But despite these preparations, the message from officials remains simple and urgent—stay home. Acting State Police Superintendent David Sirota noted that the State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activation and will remain staffed around the clock, with search and rescue teams equipped with high-wheeled vehicles and snowmobiles on standby. "Roads can wait. Your life can't," Sirota said.
Coastal flooding warnings are also in effect for numerous New Jersey counties, adding a further layer of risk for communities near bays, rivers, and tidal waterways. Officials are reminding residents to heed the familiar advice: "Turn around, don't drown." For those in need of shelter, warming centers are being made available through NJ211.org.
Frank Gaffney, Director of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, cautioned that while utilities are well-staffed, "they cannot be everywhere." He urged residents, "If you lose power, report it immediately. Don't wait for your neighbor to do so." With state offices closed on Monday, Sherrill is asking residents to charge their devices, check on elderly neighbors, and avoid 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." Working from home is strongly encouraged for those who can.
Just south of the Garden State, Delaware is taking similarly drastic measures. Governor Matthew Meyer declared a State of Emergency at 12 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in anticipation of the blizzard. This declaration permits the mobilization of statewide resources, including the activation of the Delaware National Guard. "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," Meyer said in a statement. "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."
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has been operating at an Enhanced Watch level since Saturday morning and will transition to Full Activation at 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Partners at the State Emergency Operations Center, including the National Guard, Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Social Services, State Police, and the National Weather Service, are working in concert to coordinate response efforts. The Joint Information Center has also been activated to provide timely updates.
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for all of Delaware from Saturday through Monday, with snowfall totals expected to range from 12 to 20 inches. Widespread closures and significant impacts to infrastructure are anticipated. Delawareans should also brace for the issuance of state-mandated Driving Restrictions, which are designed to keep motorists and emergency responders safe during severe weather. The restrictions escalate from Level 1 (advising motorists to avoid travel unless necessary) to Level 2 (limiting road use to essential personnel), and finally Level 3 (restricting travel to emergency and utility workers only).
DEMA is urging the public to prepare homes and vehicles ahead of the storm. Recommendations include stocking up on non-perishable food, water, prescription medications, first aid supplies, and flashlights, as well as checking in with elderly neighbors and relatives to ensure everyone has a safety plan. For vehicle preparedness, residents are advised to maintain a full tank of gas, check fluids, ensure brakes and wipers are working, and keep blankets and emergency supplies on hand.
Safety tips from DEMA highlight the importance of building both home and vehicle emergency kits, dressing in layers, learning the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and making sure pets are brought inside. Residents are also encouraged to stay informed through the Delaware Emergency Notification System and DelDOT’s traffic advisory radio stations. The National Weather Service-Mount Holly is providing ongoing weather updates and winter storm forecasts for Delaware and the surrounding region.
For those who must be on the roads, officials stress extreme caution: drive slowly, keep headlights on, leave extra space between vehicles, and never pass a snowplow. Bridges and overpasses can freeze faster than other surfaces, and intersections may become especially treacherous. If your vehicle becomes disabled, Delawareans are urged to call the Transportation Management Center for assistance.
As this potentially historic storm unfolds, both states are relying on a combination of preparation, clear communication, and community spirit to weather the challenge. With blizzard conditions expected to persist through Monday, the refrain from leaders on both sides of the Delaware River is unmistakable: stay home, stay safe, and look out for one another.