Snowstorms Blanket Georgia And New Jersey In January Chill

Snowstorms swept across the eastern United States over the weekend, blanketing communities in Georgia, New Jersey, and other states with a wintry mix that ranged from light flurries to several inches of accumulation. As residents braced for slippery roads and frigid temperatures, meteorologists and local officials scrambled to keep the public informed and safe, while children and adults alike found moments of joy in the unexpected snow day.

In Georgia, the FOX 5 Storm Team reported that the last flurries moved out of metro Atlanta on the morning of January 18, 2026, but not before leaving a mark on several counties to the south and east of the city. Clarke and Oglethorpe counties saw the storm’s final snowflakes, while Henry, Monroe, Putnam, and Troup counties experienced flurries and, in some places, notable accumulation. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, "the further south the area, the more likely it was to see accumulation."

Putnam County, for instance, woke up to a winter wonderland as rain that began around 5:00 a.m. quickly transitioned to snow by about 7:00 a.m., creating slick conditions on local roads. In Eatonton, snow stuck to the roads early in the morning, but FOX 5’s Rey Llerena noted that it began melting shortly after. The snowfall was heavy enough at times to reduce visibility in downtown Eatonton, but it also left enough on grassy areas for classic winter fun—sledding and snowman-building included. In Forsyth, Monroe County, FOX 5’s Eli Jordan even spotted a snowman, delighting residents who rarely see such sights in central Georgia.

Despite the snow sticking to grassy areas and some roads, both Llerena and Jordan emphasized that there were no major traffic disruptions. Still, state and city officials urged caution. "If you are out driving in an area that saw snow, slow down, allow extra travel time, and use caution, especially on untreated roads," they advised. Meteorologist Alex Forbes warned, "Any spots that still have liquid on them later this evening, a re-freeze is possible there." With temperatures in North Georgia expected to reach the 40s later that day, most of the moisture was likely to evaporate before nightfall, but the risk of overnight refreezing lingered for untreated surfaces.

Further north, New Jersey found itself in the grip of a second winter storm in as many days. According to nj.com, widespread snowfall totals of 2 to 5 inches were forecast for Sunday, January 18, 2026. Snow began falling before sunrise and was expected to continue throughout the day, with a possible midday lull before heavier snow returned in the afternoon. The National Weather Service expanded winter weather advisories overnight to 17 counties, bumping up expected snowfall totals, especially north and west of the I-95/NJ Turnpike corridor.

Advisories were in effect for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union counties until midnight, with expected accumulations between 3 and 5 inches. Camden, Gloucester, Salem, and northwestern Burlington counties faced advisories until 8 p.m., with 2 to 4 inches forecast. Hunterdon, Mercer, Morris, Middlesex, Somerset, and western Monmouth counties also expected 2 to 5 inches, while Sussex and Warren counties braced for 2 to 4 inches. Speed restrictions of 45 mph were put in place for much of the NJ Turnpike north of exit 8A due to salting and plowing, as crews worked to keep roads safe.

The National Weather Service cautioned that untreated surfaces could see refreezing and become slick overnight as temperatures were set to drop rapidly after 7 to 8 p.m. Below-normal temperatures would follow, with the coldest stretch expected from Monday night through Tuesday night. Wind chills were forecast to plunge to around zero degrees in some locations on Monday night. Highs on Tuesday would remain in the 20s, with wind chills in the single digits to low teens throughout the day. Tuesday night would be bitterly cold, with lows in the single digits, though calmer winds would make it feel slightly less severe than the previous night. Relief was on the horizon, as temperatures were expected to moderate by Wednesday and potentially rise above normal by Thursday, before another cold front arrived to end the work week.

Meanwhile, meteorologists in other parts of the region echoed the warnings and predictions. In statewide forecasts, Meteorologist Tyler Hughes anticipated 3 to 6 inches of snowfall accumulation, revising earlier predictions of 2 to 4 inches as the storm’s path became clearer. Meteorologist Josh Cingranelli noted that showers would begin before daybreak and taper off during the afternoon hours, giving residents a window to dig out or enjoy the snow before temperatures began their sharp descent. As early as January 16, forecasters were warning that temperatures would fall from the lower 30s into the 20s, setting the stage for icy conditions in the days to follow.

Back in Georgia, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) had been preparing for days, with crews stationed across the state and resources concentrated in Central Georgia, where measurable snowfall was most likely. GDOT’s proactive approach meant that major routes remained largely passable, and the disruption to daily life was minimal. Residents were encouraged to share photos and videos of the snowfall with FOX 5 Atlanta, celebrating the rare southern snow day.

As the snow fell, meteorologists offered tips for measuring accumulation: "Make sure you are measuring on a flat surface. Measuring in grass can cause inflated totals," advised Alex Forbes. This practical advice helped ensure that snowfall reports were accurate and that the public remained informed about the true impact of the storm.

For many, though, the storms were as much a source of wonder as of worry. Children in Putnam and Monroe counties built snowmen and took to sledding hills, while New Jersey residents braced for the cold snap by bundling up and, in some cases, enjoying the beauty of a freshly blanketed landscape. The storms served as a reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather, especially in regions unaccustomed to regular snowfall.

Looking ahead, forecasters in New Jersey noted that the weather pattern could become more active the following weekend, though specifics remained uncertain. For now, the focus remained on staying safe, keeping roads clear, and making the most of the wintry weather while it lasted.

As communities from Georgia to New Jersey navigated the challenges and charms of these January snowstorms, one thing was clear: whether facing icy roads, building snowmen, or simply marveling at the falling flakes, residents across the eastern U.S. were united by the season’s sudden and striking turn.