Blizzard Warning Issued; Schools Close as Potentially Historic Winter Storm Targets Montgomery

February 22, 2026

Nicholas Mistretta

Montgomery Township is preparing for what forecasters are calling a potentially historic winter storm, prompting school closures, business shutdowns and urgent public safety advisories ahead of heavy snow, strong winds and possible coastal flooding.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Philadelphia/Mount Holly Office issued a Blizzard Warning for the region through 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, citing high confidence in significant snowfall and damaging wind impacts across New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

In its 6 a.m. Sunday briefing, the NWS warned that “life-threatening travel and crippling impacts to infrastructure” are possible, with effects that could extend beyond Monday. Blizzard Warnings have been expanded to include all of New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. Snowfall totals have also increased in the latest forecast, and a Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued for parts of southern New Jersey.

Schools Close Monday
In response to the storm, the Montgomery Township School District announced that all schools will be closed Monday, Feb. 23. All after-school activities are also canceled.

Superintendent Mary E. McLoughlin informed families that an updated district calendar, including revised A/B Day and 6-Day schedules, will be shared in a future communication.

“Please stay safe and warm,” McLoughlin wrote in a message to the school community.

Businesses Adjust Operations
Local business closures are also underway. The Tiger’s Tale announced it will be closed all day Sunday in anticipation of deteriorating conditions.

Additional businesses are expected to modify hours or close as snowfall intensifies.

Police Urge Residents to Stay Off Roads
The Montgomery Township Police Department issued a Nixle advisory Saturday evening reinforcing the Blizzard Warning and urging residents to limit non-essential travel.

“Heavy snowfall with high winds will make travel difficult,” the department stated.

Police encouraged residents to:

Check generators in advance and operate them only in well-ventilated areas away from homes
Charge cell phones
Stock up on food, medications and fuel
Gas up vehicles prior to the storm
Register for PSE&G MyAlerts to receive outage updates

The department also reminded residents that parking on township streets during snow emergencies is strictly prohibited under Township Ordinance 7.37. Vehicles, trash containers or other obstacles left in roadways can delay plowing operations and hinder emergency response.

Preparations Window Closing
The National Weather Service emphasized that the window for final preparations is rapidly closing. Strong winds combined with heavy snowfall may produce near-whiteout conditions at times, making travel dangerous or impossible.

Officials recommend residents remain indoors during peak storm conditions, monitor local updates, and avoid unnecessary travel until roadways have been cleared and conditions improve.

Further updates are expected as the storm system develops through Sunday night and into Monday.

Photo Credit: National Weather Service