Voluntary Evacuations Suggested In Toms River's Low-Lying Areas

TOMS RIVER, NJ -- The Toms River Office of Emergency Management is suggesting that residents who live in low-lying areas of the township should consider evacuating.

The evacuations are voluntary and suggested based on the potential for flooding, particularly as the storm moves through up to three full moon high tide cycles Saturday and Sunday, Paul Daley, Toms RIver OEM coordinator, said in a news release.

“It is important to note there are no shelters open at this time,” Daley said. ”Residents should make alternate plans with family or friends.”

The Toms River Township Emergency Operations Center will be activated at 9 a.m. Saturday, he said.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service have said the nor’easter combined with the full moon is expected to generate waves of up to 20 feet high, with a potential storm surge of 2 to 4 feet.

The National Weather Service storm update says widespread moderate coastal flooding is possible and there may be areas of major coastal flooding in some spots. It could last for three high tide cycles with water remaining trapped along the coast, in the back bays and estuaries.

The ocean high tides are expected at 6:30 a.m. and 7:07 p.m. Saturday and 7:21 a.m. and 7:52 p.m. Sunday. The high tides in the bay are expected at 11:09 p.m. Friday, 11:28 a.m. and 11:56 p.m. Saturday and at 12:12 p.m. Sunday.

Toms River public works employees have been working to build up additional dune protection on the oceanfront all week in preparation for the storm, he said.