EXPIRED: Camden County Prepared for Severe Thunderstorms

The Camden County Department of Public Works (DPW) is closely monitoring a storm system that is expected to bring scattered severe thunderstorms to the region Tuesday afternoon.

“Camden County crews are clearing inlet tops of debris, checking on flood gates and preparing barricades and cones in case of the need for road closures,” Camden County Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, liaison to the Camden County DWP, said. “Our chippers are fueled and hitched to trucks and chainsaws are fueled and ready in the event downed trees or limbs block county roadways.”

A line of thunderstorms is expected to move through the area Tuesday afternoon, with the main threat window projected at between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The storm could produce up to quarter-size hail and deliver wind gusts between 40 and 60 miles per hour. This can result in downed trees and power lines

Residents are encouraged to drive with caution and avoid low-lying areas where flooding is known to occur, and avoid any downed power lines.

A fleet of about 100 vehicles stand ready to keep Camden County’s 1,400 lane miles of roadways passable.

“If flooding occurs in our area, never drive your vehicle into areas where water covers the roadway,” Shin Angulo said. “Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road.”

In the event that the weather causes isolated power outages, residents should call their utility company so they can identify the location and coordinate crews to restore power.

This storm has the potential to bring down trees and power lines. Residents need to be extra cognizant of any power failures. Below are numbers and contact info for the two power providers in Camden County:

• PSE&G: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
• PSEG website: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp
• Atlantic City Electric: 1-800-833-7476
• Atlantic City Electric website: http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/
• South Jersey Gas: 1-800-582-7060
• South Jersey Gas website: http://southjerseygas.com/

As always, use 911 for emergencies only. Anyone who sees a problem on a county road should call the 24-hour hotline at 856-566-2980 to report it to DPW.