Statement on Mandatory Evacuation of Ocean City

CITY OF OCEAN CITY, NJ
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
IMPORTANT WEATHER STATEMENT: Saturday, October 27 1:00 pm 

Ocean City, NJ: The threat from Hurricane Sandy continues to increase for Ocean City. This dangerous storm is likely to have severe impact to the region.  High Wind Watches, Flood Watches and Coastal Flood Watches have now been posted for the area. Recent information received from the National Weather Service indicate that it is now a certainty that this storm will affect our area during the Sunday, October 28 through Tuesday, October 30 timeframe with very high winds, heavy rain and major beach erosion and coastal flooding.

Power may be lost.  Please be prepared for an extended period of time without power.

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See attached PDF to read statement from Mayor Jay A. Gillian
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Preparations to protect yourself, your family and your property should be completed by the end of the day on Saturday.  Secure all loose items on and around your property or bring them inside.  Be prepared to move vehicles to higher ground.  Be advised that some areas of Ocean City that normally are safe for parking vehicles may not be high enough for this storm.

The State Office of Emergency Management has issued a mandatory evacuation order for the barrier islands of Cape May County, including Ocean City.  Everyone must be off the island by 4:00 pm on Sunday.

Residents are advised to tell a family member or friend where you plan to relocate.  This is especially important to residents who have a caregiver.

The City will open a staging shelter at Ocean City High School after 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, to transport residents to the County shelter at Upper Township Middle School.

The Upper Township Middle School shelter will open after 1:00 p.m. on Sunday for Ocean City residents with transportation.

Residents are asked to make every effort to arrange for temporary lodging off the island with family or friends.

Access to Ocean City for those who need to secure properties will be maintained throughout the day on Saturday.  Access to Ocean City will be prohibited by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

It is important to continue to closely monitor weather conditions and forecasts for the next several days. Please check www.ocnj.us and Ocean City’s Government Access Channel 2 for further updates.