'Bomb cyclone' storm brings big snowfall to beaches in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland

A fast-moving storm is making its way up the coast today, dropping heavy snow over the Northeast including beaches along New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm is traveling northeastward into Canada and will slow down by Friday morning. AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Elliott called it a "bomb cyclone" that's bringing colder air and strong winds with the snow. 

More:Snow hitting York County now, dangerous wind chills expected later as 'bomb cyclone' forms

New Jersey 

10 a.m.

The Asbury Park Press said Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency for four counties in New Jersey after the National Weather Service estimated as much as 18 inches of snow for southern parts of the state. There's a blizzard warning in effect until 7 p.m. for the Jersey Shore. 

11 a.m.

The Asbury Park Press reported that coastal areas were experiencing flooding. There were also widespread power losses Thursday morning. 

1 p.m.

The National Weather Service changed the forecast to 12-18 inches of snow for almost all of Ocean County and southern Monmouth County, according to the Asbury Park Press. Atlantic City could get 20 inches of snow by the time the storm ends. 

Asbury Park Press published live "beach cams" showing the weather hitting the Jersey Shore. Watch it here. 

3:30 p.m.

Schools in New Jersey have begun issuing delays and closings for Friday, Jan. 5, according to the Asbury Park Press. There were wind gusts above 50 mph reported in Toms River this morning. 

Inch counts from the National Weather Service at Mount Holly published by the Asbury Park Press are: 

Ocean County

Bayville: 16

Jackson: 14.5

Brick: 12.5

Toms River: 10.3

Mantoloking: 9.5

Manahawkin: 7

Tuckerton: 5.5

Stafford: 5

Barnegat: 4

Lakehurst: 4

Berkeley: 3.3 

Forked River: 2.5

Lakewood: 2, 10

Whiting: 2

5 p.m.

New Jersey State Police tweeted that they have responded to 326 crashes and 730 motorist aids since midnight. Aids include spinouts, flat tires, mechanical breakdowns and more. 

Delaware

10 a.m.

Rehoboth and Bethany beaches were climbing toward 6 inches of snow around 9:30 a.m. according to the Delaware Environmental Observing System. Delawareonline reported that a winter storm warning is in effect until 5 p.m. tonight, and a wind chill advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday. 

The state could receive anywhere from 4-12 inches, with Sussex County getting hit the hardest according to Delawareonline. Delmarva Power's outage map showed more than 2,500 Sussex County residents without power on Thursday morning

11 a.m. 

According to Delawareonline, Gov. John Carney has issued a Level 1 driving warning for coastal Delaware, meaning motorists must exercise extreme caution. There is also a blizzard warning in effect until 7 p.m. for Sussex County and the Delaware beaches. 

1 p.m.

All but about 200 people have had their power restored, Delawareonline reported. The National Weather Service is predicting that the snow will taper off sometime during the hour. 

3:30 p.m.

Gov. John Carney issued a state of emergency and a Level 2 driving restriction for parts of Sussex County and the Delaware beaches, Delawareonline said. The only people allowed to be on the roads are "essential personnel." 

5 p.m.

Inch totals were over 10 in Dagsboro and Stockley. Delawareonline said a wind chill advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Friday until noon Saturday. 

See inch totals here. 

Maryland

10 a.m.

In Maryland, DelmarvaNow reported the Eastern Shore is expected to get 3-6 inches of snow before this afternoon. This is on top of the 8-12 inches predicted by the National Weather Service at Wakefield.

More:Snow hitting York County now, dangerous wind chills expected later as 'bomb cyclone' forms

Joe Theobald, the Ocean City director of emergency services, cautioned against driving because of "whiteout conditions," according to DelmarvaNow. While plows were coming through Ocean City, roads were still covered with snow on Thursday morning. 

11 a.m.

A winter storm warning and a blizzard warning are in effect for the Delmarva region until 1 p.m., according to DelmarvaNow.

1 p.m.

DelmarvaNow said Maryland State Police activated snow emergency plans in Wicomico and Somerset counties. In Delmarva, schools, colleges and government offices are closed and hospitals are under an emergency schedule. 

3:30 p.m.

Major highways were "barely passable," according to DelmarvaNow. Maryland State Police tweeted that they had responded to 86 crashes, 146 disabled vehicles and 534 calls for service through noon on Jan. 4. 

Schools were beginning to issue closures for Friday, Jan. 5. 

5 p.m.

DelmarvaNow reported a high surf advisory was in effect today for Maryland and Virginia shore beaches. The high surf was causing beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. 

Check back for updates.