Ocean County OEM releases hurricane update

Hurricane Irene is bringing localized flooding to some roads in Ocean County and it winds have knocked down at least several dozen trees throughout Ocean County.

Roads in Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head, Berkeley Township, Stafford Township and other areas of the county are experiencing some flooding.

Officials continue to strongly urge citizens to stay off the roads while the storm moves through the County.

Mandatory evacuations on Long Beach Island began Friday morning at 8 a.m. and along the Toms River Township barrier islands starting at 4 p.m., Friday. Other towns along the Route 35 barrier island are also under mandatory evacuation beginning Friday.

Governor Chris Christie also announced additional measures being taken to prepare for Hurricane Irene and aid New Jerseyans in shore evacuations. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. this evening, contraflow will be in effect on Route 72, running for 28 miles to Route 70, closing all lanes to eastbound travel and utilizing all lanes of traffic for use in moving traffic westward. The measure is the latest action to aid residents in evacuating Long Beach Island in Ocean County. In addition acccess from the Garden State Parkway to southern counties including Ocean County will be unavailable beginning Friday evening.

Evacuation shelters opened at 8 a.m., Friday, Aug. 26 at Southern Regional High School, Manahawkin and Toms River High School North, Toms River. Both are pet friendly. Intermediate North on Bey Lea Road will also be used as a shelter. Shelters are also open at the Brackman School in Barnegat and Pinelands Regional High School in Little Egg Harbor Township.

Residents and visitors can contact their municipal office of emergency management or the county’s OEM at 732-341-3451

Posted by Ocean County News on Aug 28 2011. Filed under Fire & Safety, Police Blotter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.