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Officials Urge Caution On The Roads As Snow Blankets The Garden State

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Gov. Chris Christie, police and others were urging caution on the roads as wet, dense snow blanketed New Jersey on Thursday.

A winter storm warning was expected to remain in effect for most of the state until 7 p.m. The National Weather Service said 4 to 8 inches of snow was likely in the southern two-thirds of the state with slightly less in northern New Jersey.

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Christie declared a state of emergency and asked motorists to stay off the roads if possible.

Snow Falling In New Jersey

"I encourage all New Jerseyans to drive carefully and remain off the roads if possible so that our first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to any emergency situations," he said in a statement.

Despite the governor's warning, accidents were reported around the state.

The Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department reported several crashes Thursday morning, including two in the same location where a car went into a snow bank on the southbound interchange 2 off ramp to U.S. 9 West.

New Jersey State police said a tractor-trailer jack-knifed on I-287 in Mahwah, blocking lanes.

In a tweet, police said there were also minor crashes in plenty of other areas and warned drivers to "Stay home or be prepared."

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden told CBS2's Christine Sloan, "We're just recommending to our residents to stay home. Please do so. Let the road crews do their work."

But many drivers were forced to face slick roads and snowy conditions.

"There is a lot snow, a lot of slushy snow," one man told 1010 WINS Glenn Schuck. "But there's a lot of plows taking care of the snow, they're doing a great job."

Others said they hoped this would be the last snowstorm they would have to deal with this season.

"It's depressing," one man told 1010 WINS' Rebecca Granet.

Snow Blankets New Jersey

It was an equally frustrating day for state residents shoveling all the white stuff.

"The snow is very heavy today. Actually, I snapped the shovel. Luckily, I carry about three of them," Monmouth County resident Dave Hoch told Sloan.

Officials closed state offices on Thursday.

NJ TRANSIT buses and trains were cross-honoring tickets.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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