Southern New Jersey's Storm Hernando Aftermath: Resilience, Policy Battles, and Ongoing Challenges

Southern New Jersey continues to grapple with the aftermath of Winter Storm Hernando, which delivered heavy snowfall and exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency response systems. While communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience, recent developments reveal complex policy debates and ongoing operational challenges that will shape the region’s recovery and future preparedness.

Heavy Snowfall and Immediate Community Response

The storm, named Hernando, brought significant snow accumulation across South Jersey, prompting widespread "digging-out" efforts by residents, municipal crews, and emergency responders. Video footage captures residents working tirelessly to clear snow, embodying community resilience amid harsh winter conditions. Yet, the storm's impact extended well beyond snow, severely affecting power infrastructure.

Power Outages Persist

As of Day 3 post-storm, approximately 4,000 Atlantic City Electric customers remain without power, predominantly in Shore towns. NBC10's Kelsey Kushner reported that despite utility companies deploying rapid-response teams and focusing on strengthening power grids, restoration efforts are still underway and far from complete. These outages have disrupted daily routines, hampered emergency services, and impacted local businesses, underscoring the urgent need for long-term infrastructural resilience.

Emergency and Animal Welfare Incidents

Adding to the community’s distress was a tragic incident involving Diesel, a carriage horse in Cape May. During the blizzard, efforts to rescue Diesel were prolonged, and the horse was ultimately euthanized, raising widespread concern over animal welfare during extreme weather events. This incident has sparked calls for improved safety protocols for animals involved in tourism and transportation, emphasizing that resilience must include vulnerable populations.

Police Urge Patience

In Atlantic County, tensions emerged as police publicly urged residents to be patient and refrain from yelling at snowplow drivers, recognizing the high-stress environment during storm response. This plea highlights ongoing challenges in managing community expectations and fostering cooperation during emergencies.

Policy and Legal Developments

Beyond immediate recovery, regional leaders are engaging in critical policy debates to bolster resilience and community safety.

Federal Funding and Local Initiatives

Representative Jeff Van Drew has successfully secured significant federal funding aimed at beach maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and climate resilience projects—investments vital for protecting the region’s natural assets and economic stability driven by tourism. These projects aim to mitigate future storm impacts and support sustainable development.

Community Engagement and Cannabis Regulation

In Upper Township, a public input session scheduled for February 23, 2026, exemplifies efforts to involve residents in shaping local cannabis regulations. Officials emphasize that resident feedback is essential for developing balanced policies that promote economic growth while safeguarding community interests.

Legal Challenges to Resilience Regulations

A significant new development involves Cape May County’s legal challenge against the state’s recent flood-protection regulations. The county contends that certain regulations—aimed at enhancing flood defenses—impose undue burdens and potentially hinder local development plans. This legal action reflects broader tensions between state-level resilience mandates and local autonomy, illustrating the complex policy landscape surrounding climate adaptation measures.

Ongoing Emergency Conditions

Adding to the urgency, the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management has issued a “Code Blue” advisory for February 25-27, 2026, signaling ongoing extreme cold and hazardous conditions. This advisory underscores that, despite the storm passing, the region remains vulnerable to weather-related emergencies requiring heightened preparedness and coordinated response efforts.

Implications for the Future

The combined events highlight several key priorities for Southern New Jersey:

• Upgrading Infrastructure: Persistent power outages and legal disputes over flood regulations emphasize the need for robust, climate-resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding increasingly severe weather events driven by climate change.
• Inclusive Policymaking: Engagement efforts like the Upper Township cannabis forum demonstrate the importance of resident participation in shaping policies that balance economic development with community safety.
• Emergency Preparedness: The ongoing “Code Blue” advisory and incidents like Diesel’s euthanasia reveal the necessity for comprehensive emergency planning that addresses not only human safety but also animal welfare.
• Legal and Political Engagement: The legal challenge by Cape May County exemplifies the ongoing tensions between local and state authorities over resilience strategies, which will influence future policy directions.

Current Status and Outlook

While significant strides have been made—such as securing federal resilience funding, initiating infrastructure upgrades, and engaging residents—the ongoing power outages, legal disputes, and emergency advisories serve as stark reminders of the work ahead. The region’s ability to adapt through infrastructure investments, inclusive governance, and coordinated emergency response will be critical in shaping a resilient future.

Southern New Jersey finds itself at a pivotal juncture: balancing immediate recovery with long-term climate adaptation, community safety, and sustainable growth. Its success will depend on sustained collaboration among local governments, residents, utility providers, and policymakers.

In conclusion, the region’s experience underscores the importance of building resilient infrastructure, fostering transparent community dialogue, and proactively planning for an era of increasing weather-related challenges. The collective efforts now underway will determine whether Southern New Jersey can emerge stronger and more prepared for the storms—and the policy battles—that lie ahead.