Staying Powered Up Through Jersey’s Blizzard of ’26

Stay out of the dark when the blizzard of ’26 hits Jersey. We want to share some tips on power outages from the experts at JCP&L. "We encourage you to stay safe and prepared. The tips below can help ensure you're ready before the storm arrives."

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How Common Are Power Outages During Blizzards?

The answer shouldn't surprise you. Power outages are pretty common during blizzards. It’s usually not just the snow itself, but the combo of heavy, wet snow, strong winds, and ice that causes problems. Snow can pile up on tree branches and power lines, making them snap or fall. Wind gusts can knock trees into lines or bring down poles. If ice gets involved, it adds even more weight and makes outages more likely.

All the ingredients we just mentioned look to be possible in our upcoming storm, as blizzard warnings are in place as the storm arrives on Sunday. According to JCP&L, "Preparing in advance of a power outage can help minimize the challenges you face if the lights go out."

How Do You Prepare for a Winter Storm? (JCP&L)

Warmth and Safety

Never use appliances for heat. Gas stoves, grills or outdoor heaters can produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.
Extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person.
First-aid kit.
Medications and other personal health items for each person.
Keep generators outside. Be sure the power coming into your home is disconnected to prevent sending electricity back onto power lines and endangering workers.

Electronics

Stay 30+ feet from downed power lines and anything they touch. Stay alert for hidden hazards in heavy snow. Call 9-1-1 ASAP to report downed lines.
Fully charged cell phones, laptops and tablets.
Car charger to charge devices if your power is out.
Flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries.
Hard-wired phone to report an outage or emergency. A plain, hard-wired phone can operate on power delivered through the phone line.

Food and Water

Emergency supply of bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water.
Supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking. Don’t forget the can opener!

Let's hope that we don't have so many people without power during the storm, and those who do lose power will get it returned quickly.

We want to thank all the workers out in the storm before and after helping residents with their power needs.

If you suffer a power outage, be sure to report the outage to your power company.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF