02/22/2026
Stay home folks. Call 911 for emergencies!
***UPDATE FROM CITY OF CAPE MAY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT***
Winter Storm & Blizzard Advisory and Operations Update
9:00 AM EST, Sunday, February 22, 2026
The National Weather Service’s latest briefing confirms that the February 22–23 winter storm will be a **potentially historic event** impacting our region through Monday. The window to finalize storm preparations is rapidly closing; residents should complete all preparations immediately and avoid all unnecessary travel once conditions begin to deteriorate.
WEATHER ALERTS:
Blizzard Warning – All of New Jersey (including Cape May County)
Coastal Flood Warning – Cape May County
Blizzard Warnings now include the entire state, with **snowfall rates of 1–2 inches per hour** expected this evening through Monday morning and **whiteout conditions likely**. Travel may become **life threatening or impossible**, with widespread closures and infrastructure disruptions. Forecasts call for **18–24+ inches of snow**, with locally higher totals possible. The storm may begin as rain before changing to heavy snow this afternoon, with the most significant impacts expected overnight through Monday morning—and possibly into the Monday evening commute.
A **State of Emergency** has been issued statewide, empowering State and local agencies to deploy resources and enact protective measures. All **non-essential travel should be postponed** until roads have been plowed and treated.
STRONG WINDS AND POWER IMPACTS
- Coastal gusts up to **60 mph**, inland gusts up to **45 mph**.
- Blowing and drifting snow will continue even after snow ends.
- **Power outages** and **tree damage** are possible; prepare for potential loss of electricity.
COASTAL FLOODING - SERIOUS CONCERNS
- 1–2 feet of inundation** possible in low lying coastal and bayside areas.
- Moderate coastal flooding likely with tonight’s high tide; isolated major flooding possible in prone areas.
- Additional flooding expected with Monday afternoon and Monday night high tides.
- Residents in flood prone or back bay locations should move vehicles and critical belongings to higher ground before high tide cycles and never drive through flooded streets – Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
COMMUNITY READINESS AND OPERATIONS
Cape May City OEM, in coordination with Cape May County OEM and all local public safety departments (Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works), continues to monitor conditions closely and coordinate storm response and resource requests. Communication with County, State, and utility partners remains active to ensure coordinated operations throughout the event.
Public Safety Reminder: For life threatening emergencies, call **9 1 1**. For non-emergency or storm related inquiries, use **non-emergency numbers** so emergency lines remain clear.
CITY SERVICES, CLOSURES & RESTRICTIONS
Due to the impending storm and severe conditions:
- Roller Skating at Convention Hall is CANCELED on Sunday, February 22nd.
- Group Fitness, Wee Play and Indoor Pool Programs are CANCELED on Monday, February 23rd.
- The Promenade, Convention Hall Deck, Parks, Nature Trails, and Beach Mats are PROHIBITED to the public until further notice.
- DPW Yard and Monday Recycling Collection are CLOSED/CANCELED.
PUBLIC WORKS AND PLOWING OPERATIONS
- Utilize off street parking to allow crews to clear roads efficiently.
- Remove trash cans, recycling bins, and other items from roadways and sidewalks.
- Keep vehicles and obstructions clear of intersections, hydrants, and corners.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm so plows and emergency vehicles can operate safely.
What to Do Now – Before the Storm
- Finish preparations immediately:
- Charge phones, batteries, and critical devices.
- Check flashlights, radios, and smoke/CO alarms.
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose items.
- Have supplies ready for at least 72 hours: Food, water, medications, infant/pet supplies, hygiene items, and warm clothing.
- Plan for potential power outages: Have a safe alternate heat source ready. Never operate generators or grills indoors.
- Check on others: Especially seniors, people with disabilities, or those reliant on electric-powered medical equipment.
- Vehicle precautions: Top off fuel and fluids, move vehicles from flood-prone areas, and park off narrow streets.
During the Blizzard and Coastal Flooding
- Stay off the roads unless absolutely essential.
- If travel is unavoidable in an emergency: Drive slowly with headlights on, maintain distance, and expect near-zero visibility.
- If stranded, stay with your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe, run the engine intermittently for heat, and crack a window for ventilation.
- At home: Stay indoors, dress warmly in layers, and use heating devices safely.
- Never use an oven, stove, or grill for heat.
- Along the coast: Stay away from jetties, seawalls, bulkheads, and the surf. Follow detours and never sightsee during high tides.
STAY INFORMED
Follow official channels for ongoing updates:
- Cape May City OEM on Facebook
- Cape May County OEM and National Weather Service, Mt. Holly Office for advisories and briefings.
- The next National Weather Service briefing is scheduled for 5:00 PM, Sunday, February 22.
Cape May City OEM urges everyone to take this storm seriously, complete all preparations immediately, and avoid travel throughout the storm. Your safety—and the safety of our first responders—depends on early preparedness and cooperation.
Stay safe, stay informed, and remain off the roads once conditions worsen.
