Jackson, NJ—A grant from Jackson’s Clean Communities program helped a local organization clear hundreds of trash bags of litter from the city’s roadways this weekend.
New Jersey Clean Communities is a statewide program that promotes volunteer cleanup of public lands.
This week, dozens of local groups hit the highways with trash bags and began cleaning the streets.
Each year, the township hosts these public cleanups and reimburses organizations and community groups $500 per mile of road cleaned. That funding comes from the NJ DEP’s New Jersey Clean Communities grant.
This year, approximately 30 groups, directed by Jackson DPW under Shawn Bolinksy hit the roads and cleaned up over 200 bags of trash. That doesn’t include the tires or wood pallets discarded along the roadside, which were also collected.
Jackson Council President Jennifer Kuhn worked alongside the Jackson Thunder Travel Little League to clean up Grawtown Road.
“This is a great way for the community to pitch in and help keep our roadways clean,” Councilwoman Kuhn said. I want to thank all of the organizations that came out to pitch in today.”
The Clean Communities Program was organized under Mayor Michael Reina’s administration. It was previously managed by Patricia Wood, who grew the program over the years before her passing in 2021.
- New Jersey Weather: Scorching Fourth of July Heat to Give Way to Storms, Cooler Temperatures
Mount Holly, NJ – New Jersey residents will endure another day of dangerous heat and humidity on Independence Day before a round of showers and thunderstorms brings cooler temperatures beginning Sunday.
The National Weather Service forecasts mostly sunny skies Saturday with a high near 99 degrees. Combined with high humidity, heat index values are expected to reach 104 degrees, creating dangerous conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors during Fourth of July celebrations.
Storms expected Saturday night
Forecasters say there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 5 p.m., with some storms capable of producing heavy rainfall.
Rain and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread Saturday night, with a 60% chance of precipitation before 3 a.m. Some storms may produce heavy downpours, with rainfall totals between a quarter-inch and one-half inch possible.
Overnight temperatures will remain warm, falling only to around 73 degrees, before noticeably cooler air arrives on Sunday.
Cooler, wetter pattern ahead
Sunday’s high temperature is expected to reach 85 degrees, nearly 15 degrees cooler than Saturday, although scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms remain possible.
The unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue into next week, with repeated chances for showers and thunderstorms from Sunday night through Tuesday.
Forecast highs are expected to remain in the low to mid-80s through Wednesday:
- Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, high near 99, heat index up to 104. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms possible.
- Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, some with heavy rain. Low around 73.
- Sunday: Partly sunny with a high near 85. Chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
- Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low around 68.
- Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High near 81.
- Tuesday: Continued chances for showers and thunderstorms. High near 83.
- Wednesday: A slight chance of morning showers, then partly sunny with a high near 84.
Officials urge residents celebrating outdoors to stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, wear lightweight clothing, and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. Anyone attending fireworks displays or outdoor gatherings Saturday evening should also monitor the forecast for developing thunderstorms.
Key Points
- Heat index values could reach 104 degrees across parts of New Jersey on the Fourth of July.
- Thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected to develop Saturday evening and continue overnight.
- Cooler temperatures in the 80s arrive Sunday, but an unsettled weather pattern with daily storm chances is expected through at least Wednesday.
- More Than 150,000 JCP&L Customers Across New Jersey Remain Without Power After Severe Storms
Holmdel, NJ – More than 150,000 Jersey Central Power & Light customers across New Jersey remained without electricity Saturday morning after strong thunderstorms brought damaging winds, heavy rain, and downed trees and power lines across much of the state Friday night.
According to JCP&L’s online outage map, 150,454 customers were without power as of Saturday morning. Restoration efforts continued across the utility’s service territory as crews repaired damaged infrastructure ahead of another hot day with heat index values expected to approach 100 degrees in some areas.
Morris County reports most outages
Morris County had the largest number of reported outages, with 53,086 customers without electricity. Monmouth County followed with 40,360 outages, while Sussex County reported 13,476 customers without power.
Union County reported 12,833 outages, representing about 45% of JCP&L customers in the county, the highest percentage among those listed on the utility’s outage map.
County outage totals
JCP&L reported the following outages by county Saturday morning:
- Burlington County: 2,643 customers without power (17%)
- Essex County: 498 customers (4%)
- Hunterdon County: 8,602 customers (14%)
- Mercer County: 259 customers (1%)
- Middlesex County: 4,300 customers (5%)
- Monmouth County: 40,360 customers (14%)
- Morris County: 53,086 customers (25%)
- Ocean County: 7,615 customers (3%)
- Passaic County: 70 customers (less than 1%)
- Somerset County: 3,845 customers (10%)
- Sussex County: 13,476 customers (23%)
- Union County: 12,833 customers (45%)
- Warren County: 4,952 customers (9%)
Heat and additional storms in the forecast
The widespread outages come as New Jersey prepares for another day of oppressive Fourth of July heat. The National Weather Service is forecasting afternoon temperatures in the upper 80s, with heat index values nearing 100 degrees across portions of the state.
Forecasters are also calling for a 30% chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, creating the potential for additional localized outages while restoration work continues.
Officials remind residents to stay away from downed power lines, treat every wire as energized, and report outages directly to JCP&L. Anyone without air conditioning during the holiday weekend is encouraged to seek relief at local cooling centers or other air-conditioned public facilities if needed.
Key Points
- More than 150,000 JCP&L customers remained without power Saturday morning after Friday night’s severe thunderstorms.
- Morris County reported the largest number of outages, while Union County had the highest percentage of customers without electricity.
- Dangerous Fourth of July heat and additional thunderstorms could complicate restoration efforts throughout the holiday weekend.
