TRENTON — With much of the state expected to get buried in snow, Gov. Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency as preparations for the storm continue.

The state of emergency will run through Tuesday night. The storm is expected to bring not only large quantities of snow, but also powerful winds, and the potential for coastal flooding and hazardous travel conditions, as well as freezing temperatures.

"During these threatening conditions, I urge all New Jerseyans to remain off the roads so our first-responders and public safety officers can safely and efficiently handle emergency situations," Christie said.

Because of the storm all state offices will be closed on Tuesday for non-essential personnel.

A state of emergency is a serious matter but doesn't — in and of itself — mean drivers have to stay off the roads. According to the state Office of Emergency Management schools are not automatically closed, nor are state offices. Travel may be restricted to certain areas but a complete travel ban is rarely implemented .

A state of emergency will speed up assistance from state agencies to where it is needed and  "authorizes the NJ director of Emergency Management to makes resources available for rescue, evacuation, shelter and essential commodities activate and coordinate the preparation, response and recovery efforts for the storm with all county and municipal emergency operations and governmental agencies."

Businesses are not required to close and do not have to pay employees if they close.

"Businesses must address hours of operation and compensation on an individual basis," according to the OEM.

— By Adam Hochron, with prior reporting by Dan Alexander

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Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com

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