The impending winter storm is expected to hit our area tonight during the late evening hours with heavy snow, strong winds, and flooding along the low-lying back-bay areas. While each aspect of the storm poses a concern for residents and emergency services, the possibility of power outages due to 60+ mile-per-hour winds adds to the potential for significant problems over the weekend. In the event the worst projection of the storm impacts this area, each household should expect to be housebound for the weekend and prepare accordingly taking into consideration factors such as food, water, medication, individual healthcare needs, lighting, warmth, etc.
Those whose homes are in low-lying areas and are susceptible to flooding should strongly consider voluntarily evacuating prior to the storm and staying with friends or family on higher ground, if possible.
Gille Park near the hockey rinks has been designated as an alternate parking area where residents can temporarily park vehicles on higher ground and off the roadways. No vehicles can be parked on roadways once the snow starts. Vehicles parked and left on roadways will need to be towed to provide the plow operators a reasonable chance to clear the snow as possible. Likewise, other objects such as portable basketball nets must be moved from the roadside as well.
The Saturday morning high tide on the Forked River is expected at 10:08 a.m. which is anticipated to come after over 13 hours of the storm hitting this area. Again, as a precaution, those whose homes are in low-lying areas and are susceptible to flooding should strongly consider voluntarily evacuating today (Friday), prior to the storm, and staying with friends or family, if possible.
I will continue to provide updates via internet resources, media releases, and/or phone notifications as appropriate.
I thank you for your time and cooperation. – Chief David A. Paprota, Ed.D. (Emergency Management Coordinator)
