The fast-moving winter storm caused major problems on the highways on Thursday. The storm hit the northern part of the state first before pushing to the south. Accumulations of snow range from 10 inches in Vernon, 6 and 1/2 inches in Basking Ridge and 2 inches in the Freehold Township.

South Jersey was spared the heaviest snow. The New Jersey State Police said that the troopers responded to 198 crashes and 226 calls to assist motorists beginning at midnight. The speed has been reduced to 35 mph along the entire length of the New Jersey Turnpike. In Mahwah, the slippery roads triggered a pileup of the semi-trailer trucks. Police said that a big rig jackknifed on Interstate 287, and several other trucks lost their control trying to swerve around it.

The Orthbound lanes were shut down for several hours. Only the minor injuries were reported. In Secaucus, a snowplow burst into flames while clearing the roads.

Airline braces monster snowstorms

Secaucus Police Capt. Dennis Miller tells to NJ.com the driver noticed fire coming from the city plow’s engine around 8:45 a.m. on Thursday. He said that it quickly spread and flames shot several feet above the truck’s roof.

The fire department responded quickly and doused the blaze.

The state Transportation Department said that it had more than 2,300 plows and salt spreaders on the highways. But it is tough for them to gain ground as the heavy wet snow fell.

In the Ringwood, police said on Twitter that Skyline Drive was closed due to the weather conditions. The state authorized the closing of state offices on Thursday for all non-essential employees due to the storm. The essential employees should report to work on their regular schedule. Several schools also canceled classes for the day.

The air travelers have been told to check with their airlines for delays. As of just after 10 p.m., delays averaging 4 hours and 10 minutes persisted at the Newark Liberty International Airport.

By Mrudula.