TRENTON, N.J. — A powerful and “downright nasty” weather system is tearing through New Jersey this Friday, December 19, 2025, bringing with it a dangerous combination of fierce wind gusts, torrential rain, and a dramatic temperature “crash.” As a potent cold front sweeps across the Garden State, residents are facing hazardous morning commutes, widespread power outages, and a weekend that promises an arctic reality check.
Forecasters from the National Weather Service (NWS) and AccuWeather have placed nearly the entire state under a series of watches and advisories. With wind gusts expected to peak at 60 mph and rainfall totals reaching up to 2 inches in some areas, the storm is living up to its billing as one of the most volatile events of the season.
A “Bumpy Ride” for the Morning Commute
The storm’s timing could not be worse for New Jersey residents. The heaviest impacts arrived during the peak of the Friday morning rush hour. Reports of “wind-driven downpours” and even isolated thunderstorms created a nightmare on the state’s major arteries, including the Garden State Parkway and I-95.
“This is going to be a bumpy ride,” warned meteorologists early Friday morning. In addition to the rain, a massive amount of snowmelt from previous storms is contributing to significant ponding on roadways. The combination of low visibility, poor traction, and deep puddles has led to numerous traffic delays and minor accidents across the region.
Key Hazards Reported:
- Flash Flooding: Urban areas and small streams are under watch as rain falls at rates of up to half an inch per hour.
- Thunderstorms: Rare for late December, embedded thunderstorms have been reported, adding lightning and hail to the mix.
- Coastal Flooding: A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect through late morning for low-lying shore communities.
Thousands Left in the Dark as Winds Howl
The sheer force of the wind is the primary concern for infrastructure. By 7:30 a.m., utility companies were already scrambling to restore power to thousands of customers. According to PowerOutage.us, over 11,000 homes and businesses across New Jersey are currently without electricity.
The hardest-hit areas include Morris, Sussex, and Warren Counties, where the higher elevations have felt the full brunt of the 50-60 mph gusts. FirstEnergy (JCP&L) has reported the highest number of outages, with thousands of customers impacted in northern and central Jersey.
Safety Alert: Residents are urged to stay away from downed power lines. If you experience an outage, contact your utility provider immediately:
- PSE&G: 1-800-436-7734
- JCP&L: 1-888-544-4877
- Atlantic City Electric: 1-800-833-7476
The Temperature “Crash”: From 60°F to the 20s
Perhaps the most dramatic aspect of this storm is the temperature swing. Early Friday morning, temperatures in some parts of the state reached a balmy 60°F—unseasonably warm for mid-December. However, that warmth is fleeting.
As the cold front moves through between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., the wind will shift from the southwest to the northwest. This shift marks the arrival of an arctic air mass that will cause temperatures to “crash.”
- 9:00 AM: Temperatures near 60°F.
- 2:00 PM: Temperatures drop into the 40s.
- 9:00 PM: Temperatures hit the freezing mark.
- Overnight: Lows will plummet into the mid-to-upper 20s, with wind chills making it feel like the low teens.
This rapid freeze-over poses a secondary threat: any standing water on the roads from the morning rain could turn into black ice by the evening commute, making travel tonight just as treacherous as it was this morning.
Looking Ahead: A Chilly Weekend and the Winter Solstice
As the rain exits by early afternoon, New Jersey will see a return of the sun, but it won’t feel much like a typical sunny day. The intense west-northwest winds will persist through Saturday, keeping the state in a deep freeze.
Saturday is expected to be breezy and cold, with highs struggling to reach 38°F. Sunday, which marks the Winter Solstice and the official start of winter, will offer a slight reprieve with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-40s.
For those planning to travel for the Christmas holiday, the long-range forecast suggests a “tranquil” start to next week, though another wintry mix could be on the horizon by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Staying Prepared
Emergency management officials are advising residents to:
- Secure Outdoor Items: Holiday decorations, trash cans, and patio furniture should be brought inside or tied down to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
- Charge Devices: Ensure cell phones and external batteries are fully charged in case of extended power outages.
- Layer Up: If you are leaving the house for the day, bring multiple layers to account for the 30-degree temperature drop expected by nightfall.
For the latest updates, residents should continue to monitor local weather broadcasts and the National Weather Service.