UPDATE: Hundreds in Belmar Without Power, Residents Urged to Move Vehicles

Update 1 p.m.:

Nearly a thousand Belmar residents were without power after noon Wednesday, with Belmar Elementary School and the municipal library among those in the dark.

Belmar announced: "JCP&L has experienced some downed wires near their South Belmar Substation that has impacted hundreds of homes in Belmar as well as power loss to the Elementary School and the Library. JCP&L is responding to the incident and we will be in touch with further updates as they are made available to us. This storm will continue to bring high winds that will effect our power. If you experience any outage – please immediately call JCP&L at 888-LIGHTSS or 888-544-4877."

Residents in flood-prone areas should move vehicles from the roads, but due to possible snow the borough is asking residents to consider parking in municipal lots or use your driveways to help with plowing operations. 

"We anticipate heavy rain and some snow this evening, to the extent feasible, please park your cars in your driveways and or our public lots at the Marina, Pyanoe Plaza and Dempsey Park. This will help our snow removal operation to proceed quickly," announced the borough.

Winds remain an issue and those who have garbage collection scheduled tomorrow are advised not to put out cans tonight.

Original:

Belmar is urging residents to secure property, fearing the storm could bring heavy rains, high winds and some street flooding.

The Belmar public works crews are out clearing storm drains to lessen the flooding potential, and the borough is urging residents to bring in lawn furniture and clear property of debris or brush. The high winds could send unsecured items airborne, the borough announced in an emergency message today.

The complete announcement from Belmar: "First, in preparation for the upcoming storm, please take time to prepare your home and property. We anticipate rain, high winds and some street flooding. Please clear your property of brush or other items that could become windborne. Our Department of Public Works is working diligently to clear storm drains and prepare for the storm Everyone please be safe during the storm."

Belmar also began flushing hydrants and warned residents discolored water might result, though it is safe to drink.

No evacuations are planned in coastal Monmouth as of 11 a.m. Wednesday. Multiple towns are urging residents to secure property and brace for high winds and forecast that flooding is possible along waterfront property.

Due to the incoming weather the recreation basketball awards ceremony for tonight in Belmar has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 14 at 6 p.m. 

Stay informed of the latest Manasquan-Belmar area news by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter.