claude-opus-5 Analysis · Feb 23, 2026
A Blizzard Warning is in effect until 6 PM EST with heavy snow (9-13 inches), north winds of 17-29 mph gusting to 45 mph, and widespread blowing snow. Travel could be very difficult to impossible for most of the day.
- 01 Blizzard Warning (Extreme severity) in effect until 6:00 PM EST today for central, northern and northwest New Jersey
- 02 Heavy snow with rates of 1-3 inches per hour into the morning; 6-13 inches additional accumulation
- 03 Wind gusts to 45 mph causing blowing snow, drifting and significantly reduced visibility
- 04 Temperatures 29-35F with wind chills as low as 14F - wet snow refreezing to ice as temps drop to ~20F after sunset
- 05 Blowing snow continues after the warning expires, through about midnight
- 06 Heavy wet snow on trees and power lines may cause downed limbs and road blockages
- 07 No explicit visibility values provided in the data, so visibility impact is inferred from the alert text
Do not drive today unless it is an emergency; NWS advises travel be restricted to emergencies only. If travel is unavoidable, the least-bad morning window is roughly 11 AM-12 PM EST as snowfall chances drop to about 68% and winds ease to ~25 mph, and the least-bad evening window is roughly 7 PM-9 PM EST after the warning expires, when precipitation chance falls to about 5% and winds drop to ~15 mph - though expect snow-covered, refreezing roads and drifting. Carry a winter survival kit, allow crews time to plow, and check 511 before leaving.