Due to the heavy rain and windy conditions predicted to reach our area Sunday evening through Monday afternoon, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will place the Port Monmouth facility into "Operational Mode” on Sunday, December 17th at 5:00 AM.
The amount of precipitation over the next three days is predicted to be 2-3” with isolated areas receiving 4”. Winds are expected to be at 30-40 mph with gusts to reach 50 mph. High tide is anticipated to be at 11:20 AM Sunday morning, with the tide predicted to be +4.1 with a level of uncertainty as high as +4.8 (possible rain in region). The next high tide is expected to be at 12:01 AM Monday morning.
The Pews Creek Tide Gate is ready to function as designed and will be placed in "Operational Mode" on Sunday, December 17th at 5:00 AM. The operation will allow the gates to automatically open and close based on the tides while ensuring the interior drainage basin does not exceed elevation +5.0 NAVD88. It also allows for the gates to open during low tide cycles so the water can move in and out of the basin to assist the eco system.
The Road Closure Gate on Old Port Monmouth Road remains open, and no action is planned at this time. DEP will monitor tides and coordinate with the Township and County should weather change and require closure.
The DEP utilizes multiple weather and tide sites to assess the need for tide gates, pump stations, and road closure gates to be placed in operational mode in order to reduce flood risk. All operations are based on storm and tidal predictions and can change as storms approach and pass through the region.