Our communities across the Garden State are digging out this week after a significant winter storm dumped more than two feet of snow in some areas, creating a dramatic weather event that varied widely from county to county.
According to National Weather Service reports compiled Monday morning, February 23, Freehold in Monmouth County took the crown for the highest snowfall total in New Jersey, measuring an impressive 24.2 inches by 7:45 a.m. That's exactly two feet of the white stuff—enough to make even the most enthusiastic winter lover think twice about their morning commute.
A Tale of Two Jerseys
What's fascinating about this storm is how it painted our state in dramatically different shades of winter. While central and northern New Jersey communities were buried under substantial accumulations, our neighbors in the northwest counties saw considerably less.
The central corridor got hit particularly hard. Cranbury in Middlesex County recorded 21 inches, while Chatham in Morris County saw 20 inches. Bergen County's Ridgefield also topped 20 inches, making it one of the hardest-hit areas in the northern part of our state.
Meanwhile, Warren County communities like Blairstown Township measured less than five inches, and Sussex County totals generally stayed in the single digits. It's a reminder of how varied our state's topography and microclimates can be.
Shore Communities See Moderate Impact
Our coastal communities experienced a more moderate winter blast. Atlantic City International Airport recorded 14.5 inches, while Cape May County's North Wildwood saw just 8.7 inches—the ocean's warming influence clearly playing a role in keeping totals lower near the water.
Ocean County communities fell somewhere in the middle, with Manchester Township's northeastern section measuring 18 inches and Lakewood recording 16 inches.
Urban Areas Face Significant Cleanup
Our urban centers weren't spared. Newark Airport measured 18.3 inches, while Hudson County communities like Hoboken (16.5 inches) and Union City (16 inches) faced substantial accumulations that will challenge municipal snow removal operations.
Union County saw particularly heavy snow, with both Cranford and Garwood recording 18.6 inches. These totals mean our neighbors in these communities are facing not just driveway shoveling, but serious roof load concerns and potential parking challenges as snow gets piled higher.
Southern Counties Get Lighter Dusting
South Jersey residents caught a bit of a break. Camden County's highest total was 18 inches in Somerdale, while Gloucester County topped out at 17 inches in Mantua. Salem County saw even less, with Woodstown measuring 12 inches and Pennsville just 7 inches.
Interestingly, Cumberland County had no official reports listed in the National Weather Service data, though residents there certainly saw some accumulation.
What This Means for Our Communities
These snowfall totals represent more than just numbers—they translate to real challenges and opportunities for our communities. School districts are making difficult decisions about closures and remote learning. Local businesses are weighing whether to open their doors. Public works departments are working around the clock to clear our roads and keep everyone safe.
But there's also something beautiful about how these storms bring us together. Neighbors help neighbors shovel out. Kids build snowmen and enjoy unexpected snow days. Local coffee shops become community gathering spots for those who've finished their cleanup.
As we continue digging out and life gradually returns to normal, these measurements serve as a reminder of Mother Nature's power—and our community's resilience. Whether you got two feet or two inches, we're all in this together, New Jersey.
Stay safe out there, check on your neighbors, and remember: spring is just around the corner. We hope.
