Big storm is winding down, but sleet is coating some roads in northwest N.J. counties, and coastal flooding concerns linger along Shore. NJ Transit trains returning to normal.
As the big January nor'easter continues its trek away from New Jersey and toward the eastern end of Long Island early Tuesday morning, commuters won't face fierce winds or heavy downpours like those that struck the region on Monday.
The winds across New Jersey are noticeably calmer, and the heaviest bands of rain have been replaced by occasional light showers, forecasters said.
However, in some regions of the Garden State, a few obstacles could stand in the way of a normal commute:
- In Sussex County, some towns have 1 to 3 inches of sleet on the ground this morning, and more could fall during the day. "It could be dicey, especially in the elevated terrain," said Dean Iovino, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's regional forecast office in Mount Holly. A winter weather advisory for Sussex has been extended to 6 p.m., and a winter weather advisory is active in western Passaic County until noon.
- Coastal areas up and down the state, from Middlesex down to Cape May, could see a repeat of Monday afternoon's tidal flooding during the Tuesday morning high tide, which runs from 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., Iovino said. A coastal flood warning remains in effect through 11 a.m. Tuesday.
- In terms of weather issues for the rest of New Jersey, "it doesn't look too bad for the most part," Iovino said. Most commuters are waking up to a cloudy, cool and damp day, with light rain showers at times during the morning and afternoon. A steady breeze of 15 to 25 mph will make it feel colder, and occasional gusts of 30 to 35 mph are possible, but forecasters said the powerful gusts that toppled trees and sparked thousands of power outages across the state on Monday won't be back.
So, driving shouldn't be much of a problem outside of the northwest region and coastal sections. As for other means of transportation:
NJ Transit rail service
After experiencing major delays on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line on Monday, all trains are running on or close to schedule as of 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the transit agency is reporting. Cross honoring of tickets has ended on NJ Transit buses, private carriers, and PATH.
Power outages from nor'easter dwindle to 2K overnight
The Atlantic City Rail Line remains suspended between Philadelphia 30th Street station and Cherry Hill due to the Delair Bridge being stuck in the open position. Substitute bus service is being provided between 30th Street station and Cherry Hill. In addition, NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line rail tickets and passes are being accepted on PATCO.
NJ Transit buses and light rail
Bus and light rail operations are expected to follow a normal rush hour schedule as well with the following exception. Bus service to and from Warwick, N.Y. will originate/terminate at Greenwood Lake Park & Ride due to inclement road/weather conditions. Bus Route No. 196 will not service Skyline Drive due to weather related road conditions.
Flight delays
Newark Liberty International Airport has only 15-minute departure delays and 15-minute arrival delays as of early Tuesday morning, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Cape May ferry
The Cape May-Lewes ferry service, which was cancelled on Monday because of the coastal storm, has resumed its normal operations Tuesday morning.
Highway flooding & speed restrictions
Among the highway problems being reported Tuesday morning:
- Flooding has forced the closure of Rt. 36 in Middletown, Sea Bright and Atlantic Highlands, according to the state Department of Transportation.
- Flooding on Rt. 22 East in the area near Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark has closed the right lane and shoulder.
- Flooding has been reported on Rt. 35 in Point Pleasant Beach, Hazlet and Belmar.
- Flooding has bee reported on Rt. 71 in Deal.
- Accident on Route 1&9 truck route north near Hackensack Avenue has closed the right lane.
- An accident reported on Interstate 80 West near Exit 35 in Rockaway Township is blocking the deceleration lane.
- The Goethals Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing have speed reductions because of high wind gusts. Speed limit is restricted to 35 mph. So far this morning, no speed restrictions are being reported on the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway.
Latest weather radar
NJ Advance Media staff writer Larry Higgs contributed to this report. Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality or like him on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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