Officials Assess Storm Damage In Berkeley: Latest Update

BERKELEY, NJ — Township officials are assessing the damage down by Tuesday night's storm, and while downed trees and poles have been removed, Mayor John Bacchione is warning residents to be prepared for Wednesday evening's high tide and another storm coming Friday.

Bacchione shared the latest updates in a news release:

• Bayview Ave flooded with debris from the marsh. (Water receded slowly due to tidal surge)
• Flooding observed in Pelican Island and sections of South Seaside Park
• Approximately 5-7 downed trees with minimal effect on road usage (All removed by Bayville Volunteer Fire Co. and Berkeley Twp Parks Department)
• Multiple poles down in Holiday City (All removed)
• No significant power outages
• One traffic light outage (Pinewald Keswick Rd and Dover Rd went out. Berkeley Township Police directed traffic at this location)
• Keeping an eye on high tide- 6:46 p.m. tonight in Barnegat Bay

The new mayor also said he was looking to take a proactive approach to protect Berkeley residents moving forward.

“I have scheduled a meeting next week with our Township Planner, OEM Coordinator, Police
Chief, the township's grant writer and others to look for ways to improve our drainage systems
to either elevate or mitigate the impacts of these storms on our roads and infrastructure,” Bacchione said.

He also said that he was hoping to secure state or federal funding for mitigation projects.

“These coastal storms are becoming more frequent, and we need to look for long term solutions,” Bacchione said.

The Berkeley Township Office of Emergency Management is keeping its eye on another potential storm this Friday and Saturday. Residents can expect heavy rain and strong sustained winds of 30-45 mph with gusts reaching 52 mph and minor to moderate coastal flooding.

Township officials reminded residents of the following:

• DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH ANY BODIES OF WATER
• DO NOT MOVE, DRIVE AROUND, AND/OR ALTER ANY BARRICADES OR FLOOD WARNING SIGNS.
• In the event there is a power outage at your residence, use the following for reporting and updates from JCP&L:
  • To report an outage: Text OUT to 544487 (LIGHTS). If you are not enrolled in text messaging, text REG to 544487 to get started. To receive the latest update for your reported outage: Text STAT to 544487

“We appreciate the public’s cooperation and assistance and please stay safe,” said Bacchione.