National Weather Service Urges Residents to Stay Inside, Blizzard Conditions Predicted for Somerset County

Buckle up, or rather, stay inside, because the storm coming through town is expected to intensify shortly.

The National Weather Service has issued a "blizzard warning" for Somerset County, to remain in effect until midnight tonight

The storm "will intensify explosively today," according to the National Weather Service. The current mixture of rain and sleet with snow is supposed to turn into all snow laster this afternoon and into the early evening. Winds will gust from 35 to 45 miles per hour, making visibility conditions poor.

Blizzard conditions are expected to be at their peak from midday into the afternoon and tapering off in the early evening. Strong gusts of wind will continue throughout the evening, blowing loose snow and maintaining low visibility through the night.

"Near-blizzard or blizzard conditions are rare for our area, so it is likely that people will not realize the peril that exists in venturing out in such storms," the National Weather Service report stated. "Life-threatening conditions are possible and driving will be hazardous at best during this winter storm today and early tonight."

"It is highly recommended that travel be curtailed due to the dangerous conditions, and only drive if it is truly an emergency situation," according to the report.