With predictions of the area’s first measurable snow of the season, Atlantic County and Cape May County officials are urging residents to continue to monitor the forecast and take steps to prepare now.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service from 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, through 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, with the potential for heavy snow and accumulations that could make driving conditions hazardous and impact the Monday morning commute.
Snow is expected to begin late Saturday and continue through Monday, possibly mixing with sleet and freezing rain at some point.
“Additionally, a period of dangerous cold is expected to begin on Friday night, continuing through at least Wednesday night, and possibly longer,” the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management said in a statement.
There is increasing confidence in major snowfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches or more across much of the area, making travel very difficult, and potentially resulting in widespread closures and infrastructure impacts, the National Weather Service says.
A detailed weather forecast is available at 01.22.2026 8.01 AM EST - Archived Briefing.
Precipitation may mix with or change to sleet and freezing rain across portions of southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, further complicating travel.
Combined with the snow, brutally cold temperatures will begin on Friday night, pushing wind chills down into the single digits or below for several nights.
Prolonged exposure to dangerous wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
A light dusting of snow coats part of the Ocean City Boardwalk. Much more snow is on the way for this weekend.Storm preparations should include charging electronic devices; fueling/charging vehicles; having necessary medications and supplies for infants and pets; checking on the elderly and infirm; checking and replenishing storm supplies including non-perishable food items and water, flashlights and extra batteries, and a battery-operated radio; leaving indoor faucet dripping to avoid frozen pipes; and reviewing instructions to safely operate a portable generator outdoors.
Atlantic County public work crews will be pre-treating the 375 miles of county roadways prior to the weekend. Plows will be deployed for two or more inches of snow accumulation. Crews will clear the major, most heavily traveled, county roadways first.
Residents are urged to heed the warnings and guidance of public officials. Those in need of assistance during the storm should contact their local office of emergency management. Life threatening emergencies should be reported immediately to 9-1-1.
Motorists should exercise caution on snow-covered roadways and stay well behind salt trucks and snowplows. According to N.J. state law, snow must be removed from vehicles before traveling.
Atlantic County officials will continue to post storm updates to the county website as they are issued at atlanticcountynj.gov. Residents, businesses and second homeowners should also consider registering to receive emergency alerts at www.atlanticcountynj.gov/emergency-alerts.
Due to the extreme cold, the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management has issued a “Code Blue” advisory for all of Cape May County effective from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Jan. 22, 23, 24 and 25.
A Code Blue advisory is intended to protect people living outside, on the street, in parks or poorly insulated settings and who are at risk for cold-related exposure and possible death.
Anyone seeking temporary shelter in a warming center should contact their local municipality. Additional resources are available by calling 2-1-1.
Additional information regarding the Code Blue advisory can be found on the Cape May County website at www.capemaycountynj.gov.
