Fuel disruption hits northeast states
Advisories and warnings were issued for a winter storm impacting millions of residents across the Northeast.
Frigid temperatures were forecast for much of the eastern U.S. through Monday, Dec. 15, while heavy lake effect snow was expected east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, according to the National Weather Service.
The Delaware Department of Transportation advised of widespread icy conditions. DelDOT added that crews will continue to clear and salt roads, but rock salt becomes less effective when temperatures fall below 20 degrees.
Any unnecessary travel was discouraged by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Meteorologist @ReynoldsWolf is live in New York City Monday morning reporting on roadway conditions and freezing temperatures impacting the Northeast. pic.twitter.com/JuaUqhJaDb
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) December 15, 2025
Updated traffic conditions are available on this Land Line resources page.
A regional emergency for Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania was enacted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Dec. 12 regarding fuel supply and transportation.
Effective through Dec. 26, the declaration provides relief from maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles directly assisting emergency efforts in the affected states.
Winter storms, cold weather and a power outage at a major refinery have created an immediate risk to public health, safety and welfare, the declaration said.
Officials added, an immediate need to transport heating fuel, including propane, natural gas and heating oil, exists.
Relief granted by the order applies regardless of the origin of the trip as long as the motor carrier or driver is assisting emergency efforts.
State emergency orders
In addition to the FMCSA regional emergency, some northeastern states have also declared fuel emergencies.
Orders in New Hampshire and New Jersey are specific to home heating oil and propane, while a Pennsylvania exemption applies to bulk propane transport for intrastate commercial vehicle operators.
The Marcus Hook refinery was operating intermittently, said a WCAU-TV report.
“As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said. “I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure that the approximately 186,000 New Jerseyans who rely on propane for home heating purposes can receive it without interruption.” LL