Weather
Monmouth County Prepares For Incoming Nor'easter: What To Know
A State of Emergency has been declared throughout the county as damaging winds and the threat of coastal flooding move toward the shore.
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Storm preparation is underway throughout Monmouth County as the Jersey Shore prepares for a powerful nor'easter to hit the Garden State this weekend.
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, the developing nor'easter is tracking closer to the Jersey coast than previously expected, raising the threat of damaging winds, dangerous surf and repeated rounds of coastal flooding through Saturday night.
A State of Emergency has been declared throughout Monmouth County (as well as seven other New Jersey counties) which is set to begin at 5 p.m. Friday and last through Sunday.
Find out what's happening in Freeholdfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Confidence in the coastal and marine threat has also increased through Saturday night, while the forecast for Sunday remains less certain because impacts will depend heavily on the exact track of a developing storm offshore, the Weather Service said.
- Read More: Powerful Nor’easter Closes In On NJ Coast
According to the Neptune Township Office of Emergency Management, the strongest winds are expected between Friday afternoon and Saturday night, with gusts over 55 MPH possible along the coast and sustained winds of 35-45 MPH.
Find out what's happening in Freeholdfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Periods of rain will also continue through Sunday, with some isolated heavy rain showers possible.
While flash flooding is not currently forecasted, drivers are urged to use extra caution on the roads and monitor local forecasts.
Conditions along the beachfront will also be hazardous throughout the week, with heavy surf up to 12 feet expected and life-threatening rip currents.
"Coastal flooding is forecast to peak during the Saturday morning and/or evening high tide," the Weather Service said. "Do not drive through flooded roads and do not park your vehicle in flood-prone areas!"
In Manasquan, a Voluntary Evacuation order has been issued for the lowest-lying parts of the borough.
This order is recommended for residents in non-elevated structures located in low-lying flood-prone areas, particularly the elderly and special-needs persons, borough officials said.
Ahead of the nor'easter, some safety tips from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management are as follows:
- Your Kit includes items that will help you stay self-sufficient for up to three days, if needed.
- Your Plan includes evacuation plans, a place to reunite with loved ones, and an out-of-state contact person.
- Look for darkening skies, dark and towering clouds, flashes of light, or increasing wind.
- Listen for thunder. If you can hear thunder you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning and should go to safe shelter immediately.
In the event of a power outage, you can report your outage to JCP&L by texting "OUT" to 544487 or calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).
For further tips on storm prep and safety, local emergency response, and recovery you can visit the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management website.
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