Point Beach Blizzard Warning: Plows Ready, Patience Urged

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — With a blizzard warning in effect for Ocean County and forecasters predicting up to 18 inches of snow and strong winds, Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra said the borough is prepared for the possible impacts.

A blizzard warning is in effect for Ocean County from 7 p.m. Friday through 7 p.m. Saturday, with a potential for 12 to 18 inches of snow and winds gusting as high as 50 mph. In addition, coastal flooding is anticipated in areas that flood often during the hours before and after high tide Saturday morning.

Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency that took effect at 5 p.m. Friday.

Kanitra said the borough is prepared with plenty of salt and its equipment is ready to go.

"DPW crews are home resting up for the long stretch they have ahead of them," he said Friday afternoon. "Once they start plowing they won’t stop until all streets are finished curb to curb."

"We’re asking for patience due to the volume of snow expected," he said. "This will take several days to have everything cleared thoroughly."

He urged residents to get vehicles, portable basketball hoops, trash cans and the like off the streets.

"This will assist greatly in cleanup efforts," he said.

Point Pleasant Beach police reminded residents that parking on the street during a storm is prohibited under borough ordinances.

"It is also prohibited to park vehicles on certain streets," the police department said. "In accordance with the provisions of Subsection 9-2.4, no person shall park a vehicle upon any of the following streets or parts of streets when snow has fallen and accumulated to such an extent that the road is snow-covered." The streets are:

• Both sides of Arnold Avenue, from Lincoln Avenue to the railroad tracks
• Both sides of Bay Avenue, from Arnold Avenue to Trenton Avenue
• Both sides of River Avenue, from Arnold Avenue to McLean Avenue

The borough is likely to see a minor storm surge, Kanitra said. "Winds will be blowing northwest, which should somewhat minimize that situation. The train station lot is available for anyone in flood-prone areas."

If there is a power outage, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), or go to www.jcp-l.com.

The borough will have its fire stations and first aid staffed for quick-response capabilities and they will available if power goes out and residents need a place to get warm.

Downed power lines should be immediately reported to JCP&L at 1-888-544-4877 and to the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department at 732-892-0500

Do not go near a downed power line, even if you think it is no longer carrying electricity.

In case of an EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1.

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