SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–On Friday, the National Weather Service upgraded what had been a Winter Weather Advisory to a Winter Storm Warning as a storm from the Great Plains and midsection of the United States zipped eastward into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The result of the latest storm system was several inches of snow mixed in with sleet, ice, and freezing rain.

The precipitation began falling in the morning between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM around Northwestern Middlesex County. Temperatures hovered between 31 and 33 degrees for much of the day as the storm transitioned from snow to sleet to freezing rain, and then just a plain cold rain. According to WCTC 1450 AM Forecasters, the storm behaved as expected, and was not a disappointment despite the much heralded warnings and closings. Many afternoon and evening events were cancelled including a full slate of games around the Greater Middlesex Conference for high school boys and girls basketball. It marked the first time in at least the nine seasons of coverage by GMC Hoops that opening night games were cancelled.

The high on Friday was 33.3 degrees, and that was reached at 10:50 AM. Earlier in the day, the temperature was 33 degrees then fell to 31.8, and 30.8 before climbing back to 31.8, and then the high for the day. The low was 27.4, and that was reached at 4:10 AM for a mean temperature of 30.4, and heating degree day units of 34.7. More of the same kind of weather is anticipated for Sunday as another storm system moves downstream from the west. Temperatures will be colder today, which will lock in place whatever leftover moisture in terms of snow and ice has been left behind.

The latest forecast from the NWS indicates that another system will bring sleet and snow to the area starting late Saturday night into Sunday. A Winter Storm Watch is already in effect for portions of Northern New Jersey including Sussex, Warren, and Morris counties. A Hazardous Weather Outlook and Special Weather Statement has been issued for portions of Middlesex County.