Barnegat Morning Report, Feb. 16

Good morning, readers. Today is Thursday, Feb. 16.

WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON:

First up, we've got a story on advocates in New Jersey filing a petition with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to expand the emergency evacuation zones around nuclear plants, including Oyster Creek, from 10 to 50 miles.

We'll also have details on a presentation coming up tonight at the Barnegat Library that explores the life of Mary Bowser, a Virginia-born slave who became a spy for the north during the Civil War.

And we're hoping to finally bring you our analysis of student test scores, with input from the district's new curriculum coordinator. 

EVENTS:

• At 7 p.m., the  invites Lorraine Stone, actor, dancer, poet, and performance artist to . Born a slave on the Van Lew property in Richmond, Virginia, Bowser's life took several turns that put her in the position to aid the North in its battle against the Confederacy. Register online or call 609-698-3331.

WEATHER:

• Today: Rain likely, mainly after 3 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 46. Calm wind becoming west between 5 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. 

• Tonight: Rain, mainly before 1 a.m. Patchy fog between midnight and 3 a.m. Low around 40. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. 

BARNEGAT INLET TIDES: 

• 9:21 a.m.: Low
• 2:49 p.m.: High
• 9:34 p.m.: Low