State of Emergency New Jersey :State Senate President Steve Sweeney, who is filling in as Acting Governor while Gov. Chris Christie is out of state, has issued a state of emergency for the entire state due to blizzard conditions this evening.

Sweeney has empowered the State Director of Emergency Management to activate any elements of the State Emergency Operations Plan that he deems necessary to safeguard the public.

The State Police will assume total control of the state’s roadways and the State Director of Emergency Management has the power to evacuate any residents who are in areas that present a danger to their well-being.

Senate President and Acting Gov. Stephen M. Sweeney has declared New Jersey to be under a state of emergency in the midst of a winter Nor'Easter that began Sunday afternoon.

"Based on current conditions and the forecast, I am declaring a state of emergency throughout New Jersey."

At times, travel restrictions are a part of the State of Emergency, although there are no statewide travel restrictions attached to this announcement.

States of Emergency allow government officials to recommend specific actions citizens should take to ensure the safety of their families and homes.

In the past, drivers would only have been fined if snow or ice fell off their vehicle and caused damage or injury, state Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer said.

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