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Speaking on New Jersey 101.5 this morning, Christie says we remain under a state of emergency, and asked for patience as utility crews work to clear downed trees and said the damage is worse than that from Hurricane Irene.

Listen to Governor Christie update Jim Gearhart on the cleanup.

Dozens of New Jersey schools were closed Monday and more than 375,000 utility customers remained without electricity two days after a rare October snowstorm brought snow-laden trees and limbs crashing onto power lines.

Gov. Chris Christie said utility damage caused by Saturday's snowfall was worse than that caused by Hurricane Irene.

At least one town, Chester in Morris County, postponed trick-or-treating until Friday.

The governor said he would leave it to municipalities to decide how to handle Halloween but he urged all those who do go out to carry flashlights to spot any potential hazards.

Christie said 95 percent of utility customers affected by the storm should have power restored by Thursday. He said the utility company response seemed to be better than during Irene.

More than 30 school districts in central and northern New Jersey closed and a handful delayed opening.

New Jersey Transit suspended service on the Morris and Essex Lines, including the Gladstone Branch and Montclair-Boonton Line.

The governor told WNYC in New York during an early-morning interview that damage was worse in this storm because "the leaves on the trees have made whole trees and huge branches come down and taken down more wires. It's a huge challenge for everybody."

At the peak on Saturday evening, there were nearly 700,000 homes and businesses without power. Christie and his family lost power at their Mendham home on Saturday and it was restored by 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

State transportation crews will be dispatched to help towns and counties clear key blocked roads, the governor said Monday.

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• Click here to to read about shelter, water & ice being offered for Hunterdon County residents.

A state of emergency remains in effect in New Jersey.  According to state law, a  state of emergency in New Jersey "is a tool used by the government officials who are managing the emergency. It allows State agencies to quickly respond to needs of citizens, reassign personnel, and deploy vehicles, trucks, and equipment to respond to the incident. A State of Emergency allows the government to act more quickly than it can during non-emergency times."

• Click here to read more about what a state of emergency declaration means in New Jersey.