According to the U.S. National Weather Service, there is a coastal flood warning in our area from 4:00 AM until noon on Friday. Due to the impending rain and predicted tide heights, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will be placing the Port Monmouth Road floodgate into “Spring mode” at 12:00 PM on Thursday, December 22nd. NJDEP will also close the gate on Old Port Monmouth Road at 8:00 PM until the storm has left our region and the organization determines it is safe to open.
In addition to heavy rain and winds, the temperature is expected to drop from the 60s to the mid-20s in the evening. The Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recommends turning off and draining any exterior water due to the cold weather and securing any loose items on your property. Additionally, if you live in an area that is prone to flooding, OEM advises you to move your vehicle to higher ground. If necessary, you can park at the Middletown Train Station parking lots.
As the heavy winds and rain 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
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.
In the event power outages occur due to severe weather, customers without power are encouraged to report their outage to JCP&L by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), clicking the “Report Outage” link on www.firstenergycorp.com, or by texting OUT to 544487. If there is an extended power outage, Middletown OEM is prepared to open Warming Centers on an as-needed basis. Information and updates will be sent out via the Township's emergency alert system, Nixle, and posted on the website (www.middletownnj.org) and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
To report downed wires, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or the Middletown Township Police Department at 732-615-2100. Please never go near a downed power line even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity.
For additional weather alert updates, text MIDDLETOWNNJ (no spaces) 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 or by following your local weather online, on TV, or listening to the radio.
Thank you and stay safe!