A broad area of low pressure extending from the Ohio Valley to the Piedmont of South Carolina consolidated off the Virginia Capes during the early morning of March 7th. This new primary low moved northeast and gradually deepened as it passed east of the Delaware and New Jersey coasts on March 7th.
Every event with a place to put it; 19 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS PHI wrote it up.
A broad area of low pressure extending from the Ohio Valley to the Piedmont of South Carolina consolidated off the Virginia Capes during the early morning of March 7th. This new primary low moved northeast and gradually deepened as it passed east of the Delaware and New Jersey coasts on March 7th.
Precipitation gradually overspread the region during the overnight hours of March 6th to the 7th. To the east of the NJ Turnpike/Interstate 95, precipitation began as rain or a mix of rain and snow. Further west, precipitation fell mainly as snow. During the daylight hours of the 7th, precipitation to the east of the NJ Turnpike/Interstate 95 turned over to snow, as colder air worked in from the north and west.
The snow fell heavy at times away from the coast. Snowfall amounts near the Turnpike generally ranged from 6 to 12 inches, with a sharp decrease to the southeast. Further northwest, 12 to 24 inches was observed across large parts of Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, and Sussex Counties.
The snow contained large amounts of liquid, making it heavy and wet. This resulted in downed trees, limbs, and wires, leading to numerous power outages across portions of New Jersey, especially where the heaviest snow was reported. Many customers were still without power from the previous storm when this storm struck. Governor Murphy estimated about 350,000 customers state-wide lost power as a result of this second storm.
There were numerous reports of lightning associated with the precipitation in New Jersey, mainly southeast of the Turnpike. This included thunderstorms with heavy rainfall closer to the coast, and thunder with heavy snowfall further inland. In Ocean County, a person was struck by lightning in Manchester Township, and a lightning strike led to a house fire in Ship Bottom.
Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency which went into effect at 8 PM Tuesday March 6th.
Flights were cancelled at all the major airports due to the storm, and Amtrak cancelled at least some Wednesday service.
An accident involving ten tractor-trailers closed all four lanes of the New Jersey bound span of the Delaware Memorial Bridge for over two hours on Wednesday, March 7th. Large amounts of snow that accumulated in a short period of time was blamed for the crash. The trucks did not actually crash into each other, rather they got stuck in the snow as they were climbing the ramp on the east-bound bridge.
Minor flooding was reported along some portions of the New Jersey coast, particularly north of Atlantic City, but there were no major problems.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 5, 9:17 PM EST, 2 hours 43 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
917 PM EST Mon Mar 5 2018
.SYNOPSIS...
Canadian high pressure situated over the area will move
offshore Tuesday night. Meanwhile, low pressure over the Ohio
Valley will redevelop off the Virginia Capes and rapidly
intensify as it moves northward just east of the Delaware and
New Jersey coastline on Wednesday, reaching the Gulf of Maine on
Thursday Night. A broad area of high pressure from Hudson's Bay
to the Southwest Altantic Ocean will move over the area this
weekend. Meanwhile, another low pressure organizing over the
Southeast states is expected to track northeast off the Mid-
Atlantic coast early next week.
&&
.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM TUESDAY MORNING/...
The forecast for tonight is on track so far. No changes have
been made to the overall forecast. Skies have cleared out
nicely except far northern portions of the Poconos and northern
New Jersey. High pressure continues to slide eastward tonight,
so the pressure gradient will continue to weaken. Winds will
become light and variable most places overnight with a fairly
dry airmass in place, resulting in good radiating conditions.
Outside of the Phila urban area the forecast mins are in the
20s, and there is the potential for temps colder than forecast
if winds go calm in certain areas.
&&
.SHORT TERM /6 AM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH 6 PM TUESDAY/...
On Tuesday a shortwave ridge aloft will move across the area as
a rather strong upper trof approaches from the midwest. Light
variable winds in the morning will become light southerly in the
afternoon as the surface ridge moves offshore. Clouds and
moisture will be increasing in the afternoon, and some light
rain or snow is possible by late in the afternoon, mainly for
areas west of PHL. Afternoon high temps should be similar to
today, mainly in the mid 40s.
&&
.LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...
Highlights...High impact winter storm along and northwest of
I-95 Tue Night into Wed.
Overview/Model Preferences...We leaned toward the model solutions
that are further west nearer to the coast. The NAM/GFS have been
consistently in this camp, the 12Z ECMWF has trended much further to
the west today, and the CMC continues trending west as well. For
precip, the NAM looked too wet. We expect generally 3/4" to 1.5
inches of liquid, with the highest amounts near the Jersey Shore.
This will translate into snow further northwest, especially over
and to the west of I-95.
Hazards...Confidence is increasing in a high impact snowfall event
in the I-95 corridor and points northwest, with the highest snowfall
amounts occuring Wed afternoon and evening, particularly around the
Wed Evening rush hour. Snowfall rates may approach 2 inches per
hour, particularly northwest of Philadelphia in the Lehigh Valley
and Southern Poconos. Snowfall amounts ranging from 6 inches to over
1 foot are possible here. The snowfall will have a higher liquid
content closer to the I-95 corridor and points southeast, although
the wind will not be as big of a factor compared to the last event.
Nonetheless, additional tree damage and power outages are
possible, which would impact recovery efforts. The Winter Storm
has been expanded southeast from Cecil County MD and New Castle
Delaware into the I-95 corridor and points northwest. Forecast
amounts in the I-95 corridor are highly uncertain, so this area
was also included in the watch.
This low will lift to our north Wednesday night and stall
across northern New England into Friday or early part of the
weekend. This will keep a persistent northwest flow across the
area from Wednesday night through Saturday night. There will be
a chance of lake effect type snow showers from Wednesday night
through at least Friday as the northwest flow continues and a
couple of short wave/vorticity impulses move across the area.
Then another storm system is possible late this weekend into
early next week. The center of the storm is currently forecast
to stay just to the south, which would bring the potential for
another winter weather event.
&&
.AVIATION /02Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
Tonight...Skies have mostly cleared out and will remain mostly
clear for the remainder of the overnight. Winds gusts have
mostly dropped off and a steady north-northwest breeze will
continue into the overnight hours. Winds will become light and
variable for most places overnight.
Tuesday...VFR conditions will continue. Morning winds will be light
and variable, but will become SE to S in the afternoon at 5 to 10
kt. Some showers may begin moving in from the west late in the
day, but the main precipitation event will be Tuesday into
Wednesday.
OUTLOOK...
Tuesday night and Wednesday...Conditions lowering to MVFR and IFR in
rain and snow. We continue to forecast mainly snow at KRDG and KABE
with rain changing to snow at the remaining six TAF sites.
Wednesday night...Conditions improving gradually to VFR with
precipitation ending.
Thursday through Friday...Mainly VFR.
&&
.MARINE...
Winds should continue on a gradual downward trend for the next
24 hours or so as a ridge of high pressure moves over the area.
The SCA has been cancelled for DE Bay. However on the Atlantic
some gusts to 25 kt or higher continue to be reported at buoys
44009/44065. These should diminish also, however seas remain
elevated, mainly due to long-period easterly swells from a
storm well offshore. So the SCA for NJ/DE coastal Atlantic
waters, mainly for seas, will remain in effect at least through
Tuesday.
.OUTLOOK...
Wednesday through Wednesday Night...Low pressure rapidly
intensifies as it moves northward over the coastal waters, and
a northeast gale is likely Wed. The greatest duration will be
across the northern NJ waters. Across this area, there is the
potential for brief storm force gusts as well. As the system
moves away, a renewed northwest gale is likely Wed Night.
Thursday and Friday...Northwest winds are expected to continue at
SCA levels during this time frame.
Saturday...SCA conditions are expected to subside at this time.
&&
.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
Another round of minor coastal flooding is expected with this
evening's high tide along the New Jersey and Delaware coasts,
including portions of lower Delaware Bay. Therefore we've issued
another Coastal Flood Advisory. There continues to be a fairly
strong northerly flow and surge from the low pressure located
well to our east over the open ocean. This flow will relax
through tonight into tomorrow as the low drifts farther away
from the area. Therefore, this SHOULD be the last advisory for
this lingering event.
The departing storm will continue to produce a pounding long period
swell along the coasts of Delaware and New Jersey through tonight.
As a result, additional beach erosion is likely.
As we go into Wednesday, another coastal storm is expected to affect
the area. The good news is the astronomical tides are going down as
we go into mid-week, so we would need a surge of 2.5 feet to begin
producing minor flooding along the coasts of New Jersey and
Delaware. The more likely areas for this to occur is expected to be
the northern New Jersey coast, although current forecasts keep the
area below minor flood levels. We will continue to monitor the
trends as they develop.
&&
.CLIMATE...
Daily records for Wednesday March 7. A couple of these "MAY?" be
approached. Warm ground and daylight snowfall may be hard to
equal or exceed these values.
RAIN SNOW
ACY 1.65-2008 6.0-1969
PHL 1.71-1967 4.0-1969
ILG 1.93-1967 2.6-1969
ABE 1.51-1967 7.5-1915
TTN 2.01-1875
GED 1.44-1979
RDG 1.45-1967
MPO 2.84-1904
Since Feb 1-March 5 (well above normal around +3" or 200% of
normal except closer to normal at GED)
ACY 7.51
PHL 7.44
ILG 7.37
TTN 7.37
ABE 6.93
RDG 6.68
MPO 6.06
GED 4.37
&&
.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday evening through late Wednesday
night for PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071-101>106.
NJ...Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday evening through late Wednesday
night for NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>019.
Coastal Flood Advisory until 3 AM EST Tuesday for NJZ012>014-
020-022>027.
DE...Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday evening through late Wednesday
night for DEZ001.
Coastal Flood Advisory until 3 AM EST Tuesday for DEZ002>004.
MD...Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday evening through late Wednesday
night for MDZ008.
MARINE...Gale Watch from Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night
for ANZ450>455.
Small Craft Advisory until 6 AM EST Wednesday for ANZ450>455.
Gale Watch from Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening
for ANZ430-431.
&&
Synopsis...Franck
Near Term...AMC/Robertson
Short Term...AMC
Long Term...Franck/Robertson
Aviation...AMC/Franck/Robertson/O'Hara
Marine...AMC/Franck/O'Hara
Tides/Coastal Flooding...Robertson
Climate...DragHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 939 PM EST Mon Mar 5 2018 DEZ001-MDZ008-NJZ001-007>010-015>019-PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071- 101>106-070245- New Castle-Cecil-Sussex-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon-Somerset-Mercer- Salem-Gloucester-Camden-Northwestern Burlington-Carbon-Monroe-Berks- Lehigh-Northampton-Delaware-Philadelphia-Western Chester- Eastern Chester-Western Montgomery-Eastern Montgomery-Upper Bucks- Lower Bucks- 939 PM EST Mon Mar 5 2018 ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern Delaware, northeast Maryland, central New Jersey, northern New Jersey, northwest New Jersey, southern New Jersey, east central Pennsylvania, northeast Pennsylvania and southeast Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Winter Storm Watch. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. MDZ012-015-019-020-NJZ021-070245- Kent MD-Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline-Cumberland- 939 PM EST Mon Mar 5 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Maryland and southern New Jersey. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Additional minor coastal flooding is possible with this evening's high tide along the coasts of New Jersey and Delaware. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. A coastal storm will affect the region from Tuesday night into Wednesday night. A wintry mix of precipitation is expected with the potential for accumulating snow. A northeast wind around 15 to 20 mph is forecast to become northwest. Wind gusts in excess of 30 mph are possible. The wind along with any accumulating wet snow may bring down tree limbs and utility wires, resulting in power outages. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NJZ012-013-070245- Middlesex-Western Monmouth- 939 PM EST Mon Mar 5 2018 ...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM EST TUESDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New Jersey and northern New Jersey. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Coastal Flood Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Winter Storm Watch. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. DEZ002>004-NJZ014-020-022>027-070245- Kent-Inland Sussex-Delaware Beaches-Eastern Monmouth-Ocean-Atlantic- Cape May-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-Coastal Atlantic-Coastal Ocean- Southeastern Burlington- 939 PM EST Mon Mar 5 2018 ...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM EST TUESDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Delaware, southern Delaware, central New Jersey and southern New Jersey. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Coastal Flood Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. A coastal storm will affect the region from Tuesday night into Wednesday night. A wintry mix of precipitation is expected with the potential for accumulating snow. A northeast wind around 15 to 20 mph is forecast to become northwest. Wind gusts in excess of 30 mph are possible. The wind along with accumulating wet snow may bring down tree limbs and utility wires, resulting in power outages. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. ANZ450>455-070245- Coastal waters from Sandy Hook to Manasquan Inlet NJ out 20 nm- Coastal waters from Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Inlet NJ out 20 nm- Coastal waters from Little Egg Inlet to Great Egg Inlet NJ out 20 nm- Coastal waters from Great Egg Inlet to Cape May NJ out 20 nm- Coastal waters from Cape May NJ to Cape Henlopen DE out 20 nm- Coastal waters from Cape Henlopen to Fenwick Island DE out 20 nm- 939 PM EST Mon Mar 5 2018 ...GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale Watch. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. ANZ430-431-070245- Delaware Bay waters north of East Point NJ to Slaughter Beach DE- Delaware Bay waters south of East Point NJ to Slaughter Beach DE- 939 PM EST Mon Mar 5 2018 ...GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Delaware Bay Waters. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale Watch. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
The Philadelphia radar (KDIX), 16 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:17 UTC.
12 winter storm, 7 winter weather, 3 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Precipitation fell as rain, or snow mixed with rain, during much of the event, limiting snowfall amounts to a slushy one to two inches along the coast. Some reported snowfall totals include: 1.0 inch in Bayville, 0.8 inches in Pine Beach, and 0.7 inches in Point Pleasant Beach.
Precipitation fell as, or mixed with, rain during much of the event, limiting snowfall amounts to under 6 inches in most locations. Less than one inch of snow fell in areas closer to the coast. Some reported snowfall totals include: 4.4 inches in Tablernacle Township, and 3.3 inches in Pemberton.
Banding and thundersnow produced pockets of heavy snow in the western sections of the county, closer to the Delaware River. Further east, snow mixed with rain during parts of the event which tempered snowfall amounts. Some reported snowfall totals include: 6.5 inches in West Deptford, 6.5 inches in Sewell, 6.5 inches in Mantua, 5.5 inches in Williamstown, and 5.0 inches in Pitman.
Snowfall amounts in excess of 6 inches occurred across portions of the county.
Banding and thundersnow produced pockets of heavy snow in the western sections of the county, closer to the Delaware River. Further east, snow mixed with rain during parts of the event which tempered snowfall amounts. Some reported snowfall totals include: 8.5 inches in Cherry Hill, 8.0 inches in Blackwood, 6.5 inches near Somerdale, 6.0 inches in Mount Ephraim, 4.5 inches in Haddon Heights, and 4.4 inches in Lindenwold.
Banding and thundersnow produced pockets of heavier snow in the western sections of the area, closer to the Delaware River. Further east, snow mixed with rain during parts of the event which tempered snowfall amounts. Some reported snowfall totals include: 9.5 inches in Cinnaminson, 9.0 inches in Marlton, 8.5 inches in Crosswicks, 8.5 inches in Hainesport, 8.0 inches in Delran Township, 7.5 inches in Medford Lakes, 7.5 inches a the NWS Office in Westampton Township, 7.4 inches in Bordentown, and 6.5 inches in Maple Shade.
Precipitation fell as rain, or snow mixed with rain, during much of the event, limiting snowfall amounts to a slushy one to two inches along the coast. Some reported snowfall totals include: 2.2 inches west of Egg Harbor City and 1.6 inches in Pleasantville.
Snowfall totals from this event were higher in the western sections of the county and lower in the eastern sections where snow mixed with rain during the storm. Some reported snowfall totals include: 3.2 inches in Jackson Township, 2.3 inches in Toms River, 1.5 inches in Gilford Park, and 1.0 inches near Lincoln Park.
Although all portions of the county experienced significant snowfall from this event, the higher amounts occurred over the central and eastern portions of the county which were closer to the low pressure system. Some reported snowfall totals include: 21.0 inches in Highland Lakes, 17.0 inches in Stockholm, 16.0 inches in Sparta, 15.5 inches in Hardyston Township, 15.0 inches in Vernon, 13.5 inches in Wantage, 12.7 inches in Montague, and 12.0 inches in Newton.
Snowfall totals from this event were generally higher in the western sections of the county and lower in the eastern sections where snow mixed with rain during the storm. Some reported snowfall totals include: 9.4 inches in Cranbury, 9.0 inches in South Plainfield, 7.0 inches in Edison, 6.5 inches in Cheesequake, 5.0 inches in East Brunswick, 4.0 inches in South Brunswick, 3.5 inches near Woodbridge, 2.5 inches in South River, and 2.0 inches in Perth Amboy.
Although all portions of the county experienced significant snowfall from this event, the higher amounts (around one foot) occurred in the eastern sections of the county which were closer to the off shore low pressure system. Some reported snowfall totals include: 11.0 inches in Hackettstown, 10.7 inches in Allamuchy, 10.5 inches in Hope, 9.6 inches in Marksboro, 6.5 inches in Stewartsville, and 6.0 inches in Blairstown Township.
Although all portions of the county experienced significant snowfall from this event, the higher amounts (around one and one half feet) occurred in the central and northern portions of the county where banding and thundersnow occurred. Some reported snowfall totals include: 17.5 inches in Flemington, 15.5 inches near Stockton, 14.5 inches in Kingwood, 12.7 inches in Wertsville, 12.0 inches in Ringoes, 11.2 inches in Whitehouse, 9.0 inches in Whitehouse Station, 8.5 inches in Lebanon, 8.0 inches in Readington, 7.0 inches near Annandale, and 6.0 inches in East Amwell Township.
Banding and thundersnow produced pockets of heavier snow around the county. Some reported snowfall totals include: 11.5 inches in Hamilton Township, 11.0 inches in Princeton Junction, 10.5 inches in Hopewell, 10.0 inches in East Windsor Township, 9.0 inches in Yardville, 7.5 inches in Lawrenceville, 7.0 inches in Robbinsville, and 6.1 inches in Ewing.
Although all portions of the county experienced significant snowfall from this event, the higher amounts (around one and one half feet) occurred in the eastern sections of the county closer to the off shore low pressure system. Thundersnow also occurred in a few locations. Some reported snowfall totals include: 22.0 inches in Green Brook Township, 19.2 inches in Bernardsville, 19.0 inches in Hillsborough, 16.0 inches in Warren Township, 14.0 inches in Bridgewater Township, 12.0 inches in Branchburg Township, 11.0 inches in Franklin Township, 9.0 inches in Middlebush, 8.0 inches in North Plainfield, and 7.1 inches in Somerville.
Snowfall amounts in excess of 6 inches occurred across portions of the county.
Banding and thundersnow produced pockets of heavy snow in the western and central sections of the county, where over 6 inches were reported. Further to the east, snow mixed with rain during parts of the event which tempered snowfall amounts. 6.5 inches was reported in Greenwich and 6.0 inches in Vineland.
Precipitation fell as rain, or snow mixed with rain, during much of the event, limiting snowfall amounts to a slushy one to two inches along the coast. Some reported snowfall totals include: 2.1 inches in Long Branch and 1.3 inches in Keyport.
Precipitation fell as rain, or snow mixed with rain, during much of the event, limiting snowfall amounts to a slushy two to three inches in most locations along the coast in the northern portion of the county. 3.5 inches was reported in Ocean City.
Snowfall totals from this event were higher in the western sections of the county and lower in the eastern sections where snow mixed with rain during the storm. Some reported snowfall totals include: 3.0 inches in Seaville, and 2.0 inches near Woodbine.
A broad area of low pressure extending from the Ohio Valley to the Piedmont of South Carolina consolidated off the Virginia Capes during the early morning of March 7th. This new, primary low moved Northeast and gradually deepened as it moved East of the Delaware and New Jersey Coasts on March 7th.
Precipitation gradually overspread the region during the overnight hours of March 6th to the 7th. To the East of the NJ Turnpike/Interstate 95, precipitation began as rain or a mix of rain and snow. Further West, precipitation fell mainly as snow. During the daylight hours of the 7th, precipitation to the East of the NJ Turnpike/Interstate 95 turned over to snow, as colder air worked in from the North and West.
The snow fell heavy at times West of the New Jersey Coast. Snowfall amounts near the Turnpike generally ranged from 6 to 12 inches, with a sharp decrease to the Southeast. Further Northwest, 12 to 24 inches was observed across large parts of Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, and Sussex Counties.
The snow contained large amounts of liquid, making it heavy and wet. This resulted in trees, limbs, and wires down, leading to numerous power outages across portions of New Jersey.
There were numerous reports of lightning associated with the precipitation in New Jersey, mainly to the Southeast of the Turnpike. This included thunderstorms with heavy rainfall closer to the coast, and thunder with heavy snowfall further inland. In Ocean County New Jersey, a lightning strike lead to a structure fire in Lakewood.
A broad area of low pressure extending from the Ohio Valley to the Piedmont of South Carolina consolidated off the Virginia Capes during the early morning of March 7th. This new, primary low moved Northeast and gradually deepened as it moved East of the Delaware and New Jersey Coasts on March 7th.
Precipitation gradually overspread the region during the overnight hours of March 6th to the 7th. To the East of the NJ Turnpike/Interstate 95, precipitation began as rain or a mix of rain and snow. Further West, precipitation fell mainly as snow. During the daylight hours of the 7th, precipitation to the East of the NJ Turnpike/Interstate 95 turned over to snow, as colder air worked in from the North and West.
The snow fell heavy at times West of the New Jersey Coast. Snowfall amounts near the Turnpike generally ranged from 6 to 12 inches, with a sharp decrease to the Southeast. Further Northwest, 12 to 24 inches was observed across large parts of Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, and Sussex Counties.
The snow contained large amounts of liquid, making it heavy and wet. This resulted in trees, limbs, and wires down, leading to numerous power outages across portions of New Jersey.
There were numerous reports of lightning associated with the precipitation in New Jersey, mainly to the Southeast of the Turnpike. This included thunderstorms with heavy rainfall closer to the coast, and thunder with heavy snowfall further inland.
In Ocean County New Jersey, a lightning strike lead to a house fire in Ship Bottom.
A broad area of low pressure extending from the Ohio Valley to the Piedmont of South Carolina consolidated off the Virginia Capes during the early morning of March 7th. This new, primary low moved Northeast and gradually deepened as it moved East of the Delaware and New Jersey Coasts on March 7th.
Precipitation gradually overspread the region during the overnight hours of March 6th to the 7th. To the East of the NJ Turnpike/Interstate 95, precipitation began as rain or a mix of rain and snow. Further West, precipitation fell mainly as snow. During the daylight hours of the 7th, precipitation to the East of the NJ Turnpike/Interstate 95 turned over to snow, as colder air worked in from the North and West.
The snow fell heavy at times West of the New Jersey Coast. Snowfall amounts near the Turnpike generally ranged from 6 to 12 inches, with a sharp decrease to the Southeast. Further Northwest, 12 to 24 inches was observed across large parts of Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, and Sussex Counties.
The snow contained large amounts of liquid, making it heavy and wet. This resulted in trees, limbs, and wires down, leading to numerous power outages across portions of New Jersey.
There were numerous reports of lightning associated with the precipitation in New Jersey, mainly to the Southeast of the Turnpike. This included thunderstorms with heavy rainfall closer to the coast, and thunder with heavy snowfall further inland. In Ocean County New Jersey, a person was struck by lightning at the middle school in Manchester Township.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New Jersey in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in New Jersey, March 2018
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 734885, 739167, 734858, 739131, 734857, 734855, 734886, 734889, 734848, 734849, 734851, 734853, 734854, 734852, 739132, 734861, 734884, 734887, 734890, 734040, 734038, 734039.