Winter Storm — Eastern Essex, New Jersey

2020-12-16 to 2020-12-17 · Eastern Essex, New Jersey

Event narrative

Trained spotters, CoCoRaHS, and the public reported 6 to 8 inches of snow. The nearby Newark-Liberty International Airport ASOS measured a 47 mph wind gust at 5:51 am on December 17, 2020.

Wider weather episode

Low pressure developed along the Middle Atlantic coast on Wednesday December 16, 2020. The low deepened as it tracked northward towards Long Island, NY through the night on December 16, 2020. Arctic high pressure situated over southeast Canada provided a cold and dry air mass ahead of the low supporting moderate to locally heavy snowfall throughout much of the storm. The low pressure ultimately tracked from near Atlantic City, NJ to about 50 miles south of Fire Island, NY before sliding offshore Thursday December 17, 2020. The storm significantly impacted travel during the evening commute on Wednesday December 16, 2020 and the morning commute on Thursday December 17, 2020. Many accidents resulted from the snow covered roads and poor visibilities. Snowfall rates ranged from 1 to 2 inches per hour Wednesday evening. Total snowfall ranged from around 6 to 12 inches with strong wind gusts ranging from 35 to 50 mph.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 935009. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.