For Immediate Release: January 28, 2022
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – A blizzard warning is in effect for Monmouth County from 7:00 PM Friday through 7:00 PM Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Middletown Township began preparing for the snowstorm yesterday by treating main roads with brine, fueling snow plows, and working with the State to monitor tides and adjust our floodgates to prevent flooding. Models are currently predicting an accumulation of 6-12 inches in our area. Temperatures will remain cold through the weekend and strong winds are likely.
"Wind gusts could bring down tree branches and reduce visibility as snows falls, so please make every effort to stay indoors during the storm, if possible," said Mayor Tony Perry.
High tides will be at approximately 4:45 PM tonight and 4:15 AM tomorrow. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will be closing the Port Monmouth Road floodgate at midnight tonight, which will remain closed until Monday afternoon. The gate and pumps will be in storm mode through tomorrow. The Wilson Avenue floodgate will remain open to allow runoff from the affected streets to drain to Pews Creek and pump out to the bay if levels rise high enough. For a list of flood-prone streets, visit www.middletownnj.org/floodpronestreets.
Snow Plowing
During the storm, 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 150 pieces of equipment to treat and clear roads. Fire and First Aid Stations are ready for emergency response. The Police Department has augmented its staff for emergency response. Please call 911 for emergencies. Call 732-615-2100 for snow-related hazards.
The following municipal parking lots are available through Sunday evening for residents who would like to move their vehicles off the street while snow plowing is in progress:
- Train Station Commuter Lots (off Middletown-Lincroft Road)
- Tonya Keller Community Center (50 Bray Avenue)
- Ideal Beach Parking Lot (off Bayside Parkway)
- Municipal Bus Commuter Lots:
- Bus Lot No. 4: Route 36, between Main Street and Bray Avenue, Port Monmouth
- Bus Lot No. 5: Route 36 and Thompson Avenue, North Middletown
- Bus Lot No. 6: Route 36 and Wilson Avenue, Port Monmouth
Plowing updates will be posted on the Township's website (www.middletownnj.org) and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). If you have a specific concern regarding plowing, please visit www.middletownnj.org/plowrequest to report it. Visit www.middletownnj.org/stormguide for more information about the Department of Public Works' storm prep and snow removal procedures.
Power Outages
To report downed wires or power outages call JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), text OUT to LIGHTS (544487), or click the “Report Outage” link on www.firstenergycorp.com. View outages by clicking HERE. For your safety, do not go near downed wires.
Safety Tips
- 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 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 the Township Fire Marshal, Buddy Skelly, at 732-615-2270.
- If there's a fire hydrant near your house, the MTFD requests that residents help keep it accessible by clearing 3 feet of space around it.
Croydon Gym Activities Canceled/Warming Center
The Governor has declared a State of Emergency beginning at 5:00 PM tonight. All activities in Croydon Gym have been canceled tonight through Saturday as it may be needed as a shelter over the weekend should any residents lose power. Activities will be weather-permitting on Sunday. Please visit the website for updates.
In the event you lose power, the Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management will be opening the Warming Center, located at the Middletown Senior Center/Croydon Hall (900 Leonardville Road) on an as needed basis. If you need a Warming Center, please call the Police Desk at 732-615-2078 so our Office of Emergency Management can prepare. If you plan on going to the Warming Center, please bring any medications or personal items you may need.
Middletown Township Public Library Closed Saturday, January 29th
The library will close at its usual time today (5:00 PM) and will be closed tomorrow. Please visit www.mtpl.org for updates.
Middletown Arts Center: Classes Canceled After 5:30 PM Today
Classes will be canceled after 5:30 PM today and tomorrow. Visit www.middletownarts.org for schedule updates.
Recycling Center Update
The Middletown Recycling Center (52 Kanes Lane) will be closed on Saturday, January 29th due to the forecasted storm and is scheduled to reopen on Sunday, January 30th.
COVID-19 Testing
Depending on the weather, Monday's COVID testing at the train station, currently scheduled for 3:00-7:00 PM may be canceled. Please visit www.middletownnj.org/covid19screening for updates.
Middletown encourages residents to sign up for local severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service by texting MiddletownNJ to 888–777 or by visiting www.middletownnj.org/Nixle.