Snow total forecast as of late Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. (Credit: NWS)
Forecasters continued a blizzard warning for Ocean County Friday afternoon, increasing snow totals as the overall forecast evolved to include a shorter period of sleet and rain than previous predicted.
The Shore area was now forecast to receive 12-18 inches of snow, though there could be less near the immediate shoreline, according to a statement from the National Weather Service. The snow was forecast to begin between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday night, and fall “heavy at times,” according to the warning.
The storm will begin with an initial “burst” of snow which will cause whiteout conditions, the warning said, which will continue into Saturday morning. Snowfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour may result during this time.
Snow will briefly mix with, and change to, sleet and rain, but it will only be for a brief period, the statement said. The snow will continue Saturday night and taper off Sunday morning. In the interim, snow will “cling to wires and trees” which will doubtlessly lead to power outages, the statement said.
Winds will be sustained from the northeast from 25-35 m.p.h. with gusts to 60 m.p.h. Temperatures will range from the mid-20s to mid-30s.
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