Christie’s Ellis Island Party Scrubbed; Snow Cited

Citing the coming snowstorm Tuesday, Gov. Christie's 2014 Inaugural Committee has called off a planned gala on Ellis Island that was to have begun at 7 p.m.

All of the catered food ordered for the evening's event will be donated to local food pantries in the Jersey City area, the committee said.

However, swearing-in ceremonies at the Trenton War Memorial are expected to proceed as planned, at 11:30 a.m., followed immediately by the governor's inaugural address, which will be streamed live here.

Here is the committee's statement:

"Unfortunately due to the anticipated severe weather conditions posed by today's winter storm, we have made the decision to cancel this evening's Inaugural Celebration at Ellis Island. This action has been taken out of an abundance of caution based on the most up-to-date reports which predict that the incoming storm threatens the region, including the northeastern portions of New Jersey and the shore areas, with significant snowfall that will pose a serious hazard for individuals traveling on road ways.

"While we regret to cancel this special evening for our guests, their safety is our first priority and takes total precedence in our planning. We thank all of our supporters for their generosity and urge New Jerseyans to stay safe in today's conditions and heed the guidance of emergency management officials."