Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey has issued a blizzard warning, forecasting heavy snowfall across New Jersey from Sunday 22nd February 2026, evening through Monday 23rd 2026. This has prompted a state of emergency; a government declaration used when severe weather conditions threaten human safety and mental health.
As a result of the winter storm and blizzard warning, some schools in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex County are closing; some tertiary institutions are implementing Remote Learning, and outdoor activities across the state are being canceled.
As a family, are you mentally prepared for the snowstorm?
Heavy Snowfall and Winter Storm hit New Jersey
Read: NJ schools announce snow days for Monday, Feb. 23. See the list
Read: Heavy snowfall hit Bergen County
Can Heavy Snowfall and Storms Affect Mental Health?
Heavy snow, cold, blizzard and winter storm can be inconvenient and stressful, and they affect you mentally. For teens and adolescents, sudden changes to routines, isolation, and reduced daylight can impact mood and well-being. Perhaps you can watch out for these signs in your teen:
- Anxiety or irritability – feeling nervous or easily upset
- Sleep changes – trouble falling asleep or oversleeping
- Loneliness or disconnection – feeling cut off from friends
- Loss of interest – avoiding hobbies or social activities
Usually, these feelings aren’t always a full-blown mental health crisis, however, if they are ignored, they can build up over time.
How Winter Storm Disrupts School and Social Life
Some schools are closing; and some tertiary institutions are implementing Remote Learning as blizzard warning persists in New Jersey
At first, snow days may feel like a fun break, which you should happily accept. But have it in mind that repeated school closures can disrupt routines, learning, and social interactions. Missing school, after-school activities, and canceled plans can increase stress for teens.
Common challenges include:
- Falling behind in schoolwork
- Feeling isolated from friends
- Spending excessive time on screens
- Worrying about catching up after the storm
How to Keep Your Family Calm During this Winter Storm
Here are simple strategies to reduce stress and maintain balance:
- Maintain a routine – wake up, eat, study, and sleep at consistent times.
- Stay active indoors – dance, stretch, or do a short family workout.
- Talk and listen – check in with your teen about their feelings.
- Limit news exposure – stay informed but avoid overloading updates.
- Plan fun indoor activities – board games, cooking, music, or art projects.
- Laugh and enjoy together – shared fun reduces stress naturally.
When to Seek Extra Support
If stress, anxiety, or mood changes feel overwhelming, professional help can make a difference.
At GenPsych, we offer counseling and therapy that helps families cope with these problems. Our programs are modified to accommodate virtual sessions during these events too.
Remember: Winter storms are temporary, but the mental health support you provide your teen has lasting benefits.
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