Emergency Info as Manasquan, Belmar Area Faces Impact of Nor'Easter

Check back to this article as the nor'easter continues; updates posted regularly. (Last update: 3 p.m. Wednesday)

Belmar 

Nearly a thousand Belmar residents were without power after noon Wednesday, with Belmar Elementary School and the municipal library among those in the dark.

Belmar announced: "JCP&L has experienced some downed wires near their South Belmar Substation that has impacted hundreds of homes in Belmar as well as power loss to the Elementary School and the Library. JCP&L is responding to the incident and we will be in touch with further updates as they are made available to us. This storm will continue to bring high winds that will effect our power. If you experience any outage – please immediately call JCP&L at 888-LIGHTSS or 888-544-4877."

Residents in flood-prone areas should move vehicles from the roads, but due to possible snow the borough is asking residents to consider parking in municipal lots or use your driveways to help with plowing operations. 

Belmar is urging residents to secure property, fearing the storm could bring heavy rains, high winds and some street flooding: "First, in preparation for the upcoming storm, please take time to prepare your home and property. We anticipate rain, high winds and some street flooding. Please clear your property of brush or other items that could become windborne. Our Department of Public Works is working diligently to clear storm drains and prepare for the storm Everyone please be safe during the storm."

Belmar has canceled its council meeting tonight and rescheduled it for March 13.

Brielle

Brielle residents in low-lying areas are under a voluntary evacuation for the nor'easter: Brielle Emergency Management and the Brielle Police Department have issued a voluntary evacuation for the low lying areas of Brielle. Of most concern is  a Wednesday 3 p.m. high tide prediction of approximately 7 to 7.5 feet above normal mean lower lower water, and Thursday 4 a.m. forecast of approximately 8 to 8.5 feet abmove mean lower low water. This storm will also contain sustained 30 to 40 mph winds and upward of 60 mph wind gusts, therefore securing all loose items around your home is also advised. Snowfall is also predicted to a level of 2-4 inches. In this event please be sure all vehicles are clear of the roadways as to allow efficient and effective clearing of the snow."

Manasquan

Manasquan officials said they were troubled a Wednesday Nor'Easter could bring high winds and coastal flooding, particularly around high tides. Borough Council urged residents at this week's meeting to heed National Weather Service warnings and watch for updated borough messages for the storm response, here.

Manasquan is urging residents in extremely flood-prone areas to shut off utilities and, if elderly or with special needs, move to higher ground, ahead of the high tide for the nor'easter. The borough spelled out the area east of Jackson Avenue, the entire beachfront, the Glimmer Glass, Watson's Creek and Stockton Lake areas are particularly susceptible to a forecasted 4 feet above normal tides.

Emergency personnel suggest residents secure property from coastal flooding and high winds, move vehicles inland, and put emergency preparations for families and pets now.

Spring Lake

Spring Lake officials issued a storm warning, urging residents along the oceanfront to move their vehicles inland and brace for high winds, heavy surf and potential flooding: "Please consider moving cars to higher ground. Any cars parked along Ocean Avenue should be moved. Please bring inside or secure any furniture, flags or other items that could be picked up by the wind."

Spring Lake Heights

Spring Lake Heights sent residents a reminder to move vehicles from borough streets in anticipation of snow plowing: "Borough ordinance requires all parked vehicles be removed from streets which are covered with snow to facilitate snow removal.  It is suggested all vehicles be relocated from public streets before plowing begins and remain off the streets until snow plowing is completed."

Bradley Beach

Bradley Beach has issued a traffic advisory, warning of parking prohibitions during possible snow plowing operations. For temporary parking rules, click here.

Live conditions

• Area traffic map showing live road conditions
• JCP&L power outage map is here. 900 reportedly without power in Belmar.
• Surf and wind forecast map
• Area beach cameras show live conditions for Manasquan Inlet, Belmar beachfront. 
• Add photos here.

Emergency numbers

Tips: http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

• Power outages - JCP&L: 1-888-LIGHTSS (544-4877), a current power outage map is here.Atlantic Electric: 800-833-7476, a current power outage map here.
• Phone service or FIOS television, call Verizon: 1-800-837-4966
• Cable TV service, Cablevision: 866-633-0193; Comcast: 866-922-0693
• Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management, call (732) 431-7911

Updated Forecast (11 a.m. Wed.)

Widespread minor tidal flooding with spotty moderate flooding was predicted at times of high tide Wednesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Mount Holly said. Thursday's high tide periods were forecast to be more severe, with widespread moderate flooding and spotty major flooding in certain areas.

Surf and wind conditions map is here.

"Back bays and tidal tributaries may have a difficult time draining into Friday," the advisory said.

Forecasters were also calling for winds of 30 to 40 m.p.h. with gusts to 60 m.p.h. in coastal areas. The entire coastal area was under a high wind warning until 5 a.m. Thursday.

In the ocean, 8 to 15 foot waves were predicted as part of the storm warning issued by the NWS.

A winter storm watch called for 3 to 5 inches of snow, with a morning mix Wednesday, changing to rain, but then back to snow Wednesday night. "Slushy accumulations" were expected, the watch said, though temperatures above freezing would help keep treated road surfaces clear.

The storm is forecast to move out of the region after 9 a.m. Thursday, giving way to clouds that will likely stick around through much of Friday, with occasional chances of rain or snow showers.

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