According to the National Weather Service, Monmouth County has a Winter Storm Advisory from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Friday, January 19th. Despite the incoming snowstorm and the current State of Emergency, all Township facilities will remain open during regular business hours tomorrow. Garbage and Christmas tree collection will follow their normal schedules. The Middletown Arts Center will be open, but programming may by affected. The Middletown Township Public Library and Middletown Township Public School District will be closed.
The amount of snow forecasted through tomorrow night is predicted to be 4-6”, with up to 8" possible in some areas. We are expecting coastal neighborhoods to be less impacted by the snow. Strong winds and high tide are not anticipated, so power outages should be minimal until heavy snow accumulation.
Snow Preparation
The Township's emergency operations team met this afternoon to discuss the snowstorm's path and preparation tactics. Middletown Township Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, and Office of Emergency Management departments will be fully staffed for any type of emergency. Please call 911 for emergencies.
Department of Public Works (DPW) crews will be on duty and tending to storm-related issues. The department has had overnight crews every single night this week. DPW will be salting and brining the roads until 10:00 PM tonight and will continue at 7:00 AM tomorrow morning.
Snow Removal
Once snow begins to accumulate to about 3 inches, snow removal procedures are initiated. The Township’s priority is to keep primary roads open so there is a clear path for emergency vehicles. The Township will be using more than 100 pieces of equipment to treat and clear roads. To view a list of primary, secondary, and collector streets, visit www.middletownnj.org/snow. If your street is not listed, it is considered a neighborhood street that will be addressed as soon as the others are completed. We ask that those on roads that are not heavily used to be patient, as all roads will be salted/plowed in time. Visit www.middletownnj.org/stormguide for more information about DPW's storm prep and snow removal procedures.
Plowing updates will be posted on the Township's website (www.middletownnj.org) and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X). If you would like to report dangerous roadway snow/ice conditions, please visit www.middletownnj.org/plowrequest. If you do not have a citizen login, you will need to complete a brief registration.
Safety Tips
- Please clear snow from all vents around the house. This includes flue pipes and dryer vents. When the vents are blocked, dangerous carbon monoxide can build up inside the home. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Middletown Fire Official Buddy Skelly at 732-615-2272.
- If there's a fire hydrant near your house, the Middletown Township Fire Department requests that residents help keep it accessible by clearing 3 feet of space around it.
As heavy winds and snow could knock out power, please adhere to the following rules when using a generator:
- Give 10 feet of clearance from any structure.
- Use UL approved extension cords.
- Ensure carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors are functioning in all businesses/homes while using a generator.
- Never run a generator in an enclosed space or indoors. This includes basements and garages, which can capture deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Always place the generator at least 20 feet from the house with the engine exhaust directed away from windows and doors. Keeping the garage door open does not provide enough ventilation to keep the fumes outside.
- Purchase a (CO) detector with a plug and battery backup. That way, if you shut off the generator, the battery backup will automatically keep the device going.
Please call Middletown Fire Official Buddy Skelly at 732-615-2272 if you have any questions about how to safely use a generator. If you lose power and decide to burn candles as a source of light, please place the candles on hard, non-flammable surfaces to avoid a potential fire.
Power Outages
To report downed wires or power outages call 1-888-LIGHTSS or click the “Report Outage” link at www.firstenergycorp.com. Please remember, never go near a downed power line, even if you think it is no longer carrying electricity.
Stay Informed
For additional weather alert updates, text your zip code to 888-777 or visit www.middletownnj.org/NIXLE to register. You can also get local weather updates by visiting US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly. We will also be posting additional updates via our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X).
Thank you and stay safe!