Middletown Prepares for the Storm

Middletown, NJ - Here in Middletown, crews are out Thursday morning already pre-treating roads with brine, salt and sand as the township prepares for what the National Weather Service calls a potentially “crippling winter storm.” In fact, Middletown schools just canceled the SATs, which were supposed to be Saturday at High School North.

The storm could bring up to 18 inches of snow to some parts of New Jersey. Additionally, towns up and down the Jersey Shore region are bracing for coastal flooding that could rank with some of the worst the state has ever seen.

In the event that Middletown streets flood, do not drive around barricades or attempt to drive through standing water, said Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante.

High tides of particular concern include those at 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 23rd. Keep in mind a full moon tide is anticipated this weekend, which could make tidal flooding worse. Learn more about your flooding risk this weekend here.

Move your cars

Residents in low-lying areas are reminded to move vehicles to higher ground. Residents can park vehicles at the Middletown train station.

153 snow plows ready

“Middletown is ready to face what may be the first major snow storm of the season,” said Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger. “The township has 153 pieces of equipment at its disposal to clear snow from more than 650 lane miles of road.”

The fleet includes 83 township plows, brining machines, sanders, and other heavy equipment. For the first time ever, Middletown can also deploy its several army surplus vehicles if needed, which the township acquired at no cost last year.

70 additional plows are provided by local contractors as needed.

Prepare your property now for high winds

The storm has the potential to bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph. Residents should prepare now, said Middletown Emergency Management Coordinator Charles Rogers.

Remove upright portable basketball nets from streets, and put away outdoor decorations and other items that could be affected by high winds and heavy precipitation. Bring in lawn furniture now, and bring in trash cans Friday. You might even spend Thursday removing dead tree branches that could fall and cause damage Saturday.

Clear debris away from storm drains to allow water to flow properly.

Prepare for a possibly power outage

Everyone should have an emergency kit that includes batteries, a flashlight, radio, first-aid kit, medications, food and water to last three or more days, can opener, cooking tools, and toiletries, Middletown officials said.

Residents with home generators need to be aware that they must be placed at least 20 feet away from any habitable structure when they are in use for safety reasons. Now is also a good time to start up the generator and make it is in working order, the OEM coordinator said. It is also a good idea to have extra fuel stored.

Please remember to limit 911 calls to emergencies only, officials ask. In the event of power outages that do not involve hazardous conditions, contact JCP&L directly at 1-888-LIGHTSS (544-4877).

Patch file photo