Snow Totals in North Jersey? Here’s Your Town-by-Town Inch Count

A fast-moving winter storm swept across North Jersey, leaving behind a patchwork of snowfall totals that varied sharply from town to town. While some communities woke up to several inches of snow blanketing streets and backyards, others saw only a light coating or slushy remnants. The uneven totals once again highlighted how location, elevation, and temperature differences play an outsized role in winter weather across the Garden State.

Here’s a closer look at how the storm unfolded, why totals differed, and what residents across North Jersey experienced.

A Storm With Uneven Results

The storm arrived as part of a broader Northeast weather system, pushing cold air into the region just as moisture moved in from the west. Snow fell steadily for several hours, but surface temperatures hovered near the freezing mark in many places. That fine balance meant snow accumulated quickly in some towns, while in others it melted or mixed with sleet and rain.

Northern and inland communities generally saw higher totals, while areas closer to the coast or at lower elevations recorded less snow. By the time the system moved east, the results were clear: no two towns had the same winter morning.

Higher Totals in Elevated and Inland Towns

Communities in Passaic, Sussex, and Morris counties reported the highest snowfall totals. Towns such as West Milford, Vernon, Jefferson, Sparta, and Ringwood measured 4 to 6 inches of snow, with some isolated spots approaching 7 inches.

Higher elevation played a major role here. Colder air lingered longer, allowing snow to fall consistently without mixing. Snow-covered roads, driveways, and wooded areas created classic winter scenes, but also brought challenges for travel and school schedules.

Plow crews in these areas worked early and often, as snowfall rates briefly reached up to an inch per hour at the storm’s peak.

Moderate Snowfall Across Central North Jersey

In towns like Morristown, Parsippany, Wayne, Montclair, and Caldwell, snowfall totals generally ranged between 2 and 4 inches. Snow accumulated on grassy surfaces and parked cars but turned slushy on heavily traveled roads.

Residents here experienced the most changeable conditions. Snow sometimes mixed with sleet, especially toward the end of the storm, limiting totals but increasing the risk of icy patches once temperatures dropped again.

Lower Totals Near Urban and Low-Lying Areas

Urban centers and lower-elevation towns—including Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson, and parts of Hudson County—saw lighter totals, typically 1 to 2 inches. In some neighborhoods, snowfall struggled to stick at all during the early hours, melting on contact with warmer pavement.

While totals were lower, these areas were not immune to impacts. Slush built up quickly, intersections became slick, and refreezing overnight created black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Sample Town-by-Town Snowfall Estimates

While exact totals can vary even within a town, here’s a general snapshot of reported and estimated snowfall across North Jersey:

Vernon / West Milford: 5–6 inches

Sparta / Jefferson: 4–5 inches

Morristown: 3–4 inches

Wayne: 2–3 inches

Montclair: 2–3 inches

Parsippany: 2–4 inches

Paterson: 1–2 inches

Newark: 1–2 inches

Jersey City / Hoboken: Around 1 inch


These differences may seem small on paper, but on the ground they translated into very different travel and cleanup conditions.

Why Totals Vary So Much in North Jersey

North Jersey’s geography makes it especially prone to uneven snowfall. Elevation changes quickly over short distances, and proximity to urban heat islands can raise surface temperatures just enough to reduce accumulation.

Timing also matters. Areas that saw snow during the coldest part of the storm accumulated more, while places where precipitation arrived later—when temperatures were marginal—ended up with lower totals.

Impact on Travel and Daily Life

Despite relatively modest snowfall for much of the region, the storm still disrupted routines. Morning commutes slowed, minor accidents were reported, and some school districts delayed openings or switched to remote learning.

Airports and major highways remained operational, but officials urged drivers to use caution, especially as temperatures dropped after sunset, allowing slush to refreeze.

What Happens After the Snow

As skies cleared, colder air settled in across North Jersey. Meteorologists warned that untreated surfaces could remain icy well into the next day. Residents were advised to shovel promptly, salt walkways, and stay alert for slick spots.

Looking ahead, forecasters note that winter weather patterns remain active. While the next system may not bring snow to everyone, additional chances remain as the season continues.

A Familiar North Jersey Winter Story

This storm was a reminder of how winter plays out in North Jersey: a few miles can mean a few inches of difference. For some towns, it was a minor inconvenience. For others, it was a full cleanup operation.

No matter the total, the message remains the same—stay informed, stay cautious, and be ready. In North Jersey, winter weather rarely comes in one-size-fits-all.