As a storm is expected to batter the Philadelphia region with snow on Sunday afternoon, New Jersey entered a state of emergency at noon on Sunday due to the weather.

And, on Sunday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill shared an update on hazardous weather conditions in the garden state.

On Saturday, Sherrill declared that New Jersey would enter a State of Emergency effective at noon. on Sunday, February 22, 2026 in anticipation of a severe winter storm expected to cause hazardous weather conditions across the state, including, what officials said would likely be “blizzard conditions with wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour, heavy and widespread snow, and potential coastal flooding.”

With an executive order, Sherrill declared a State of Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey. 

At that time, officials said that estimates suggest that snow accumulations could exceed 10 inches across all regions of the state, with some coastal communities expecting as much as 24 inches of snowfall.

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“Beginning tomorrow and continuing into Monday, we expect to see a winter storm bring severe blizzard conditions across our state,” said Governor Sherrill in a statement. “We are urging all New Jerseyans to use caution, stay off the roads, and follow all safety protocols during the storm.”

She said New Jersey residents should visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information.

Residents should also monitor local forecasts, warnings, and watches, she said.

Winter Storm Warning

from SUN 7:00 AM EST until MON 6:00 PM EST, Berks County, Eastern Montgomery County, Northampton County, Western Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Philadelphia County, Eastern Chester County, Monroe County, Western Montgomery County, Carbon County, Upper Bucks County, Lower Bucks County

Jersey City School Board President Noemí Velázquez has apologized for a comment she made comparing a trustee’s appearance to the classic comedy, Coming to America.

Trustee Lorenzo Richardson called out Velázquez, saying the remark was racist.

The conflict erupted Thursday night during a board of education meeting in Jersey City.

Velázquez said Richardson was “looking like someone that’s coming to America,” referencing his clothing, which resembled traditional African style.

“I did not appreciate you, because I’m wearing this, saying I’m ‘coming to America,’” Richardson said.

Coming to America is a 1988 film starring Eddie Murphy, who portrayed an African prince who travels to Queens, New York.

“I thought that was disrespectful and, to some degree, racist,” said Richardson, who added he could not believe what she said. “I’m just going to be honest with you.”

Velázquez and Richardson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the incident.

Velázquez, originally from Puerto Rico, was elected to the city’s board of trustees in 2019 and is serving her second term as president, according to the board’s website.

The board president said she thought she was giving him a compliment. “If you can’t take it, then that’s up to you,’” she said.”

Richardson said it was no compliment to him.

“I would hope that you accept my apology and that we can move on,” said Velázquez, who apologized publicly. She said she did not mean it in a disrespectful way.

“Nothing should stop us from the job that needs to get done,” Velázquez said.