New Jersey Braces for Icy Surprises and Wild Winds

Freezing Rain and Ice Alerts New Jersey is in for a weather rollercoaster. Freezing rain is already making things slippery in some areas, and it's not done yet. Ten counties are under winter weather alerts, with ice possibly piling up to one-tenth of an inch in spots like Warren and Morris counties. That's not just a nuisance; it's a hazard.

Wind Advisory in Effect But wait, there's more! A wind advisory is in effect for 16 counties, with gusts up to 50 mph expected. That's enough to knock over trees and knock out power. The strong winds are expected to stick around from Monday morning to Tuesday afternoon.

Temperatures Rise, Then Fall The good news? Temperatures will rise above freezing early Monday, turning the icy rain into regular rain. The bad news? A cold front is hot on its heels, bringing more rain and high winds. By Monday afternoon, the coast could see temperatures in the upper 40s before the cold front sweeps in.

Chilly Tuesday Ahead Tuesday is looking downright chilly, with highs struggling to reach freezing even at the shore. Wind chills will make it feel like the teens and low 20s. Gusty winds will stick around, making it feel even colder.

Rest of the Week Outlook The rest of the week isn't much better. Wednesday will be a bit milder, but still below normal for late December. Thursday might bring some light snow showers, and Friday will be dry but still cold. Another weather system could bring a mix of rain and snow late next weekend, but it's too early to say for sure.

Stay Prepared So, what's the takeaway? Bundle up, be careful on the roads, and keep an eye on the forecast. New Jersey's weather is about as predictable as a toddler's mood swing.