Toms River Blizzard Warning: Plowing Reminders

TOMS RIVER, NJ — With a blizzard warning in effect for Ocean County and forecasters predicting up to 18 inches of snow and strong winds, Toms River officials have issued reminders to residents ahead of the storm.

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.

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

In addition to the heavy snow and strong winds, coastal flooding is anticipated in areas that flood often during the hours before and after high tide Saturday morning.

The Toms River Office of Emergency Management is asking residents to be aware and prepared.

"We are asking our community for your assistance and patience for the next few days," officials said.

"We can expect high snow totals, strong winds, freezing temperatures, and a chance of coastal flooding," they said. "This storm is expected to be long in duration and plowing will be on going. With Toms River being 43 square miles, it may take some time to get to your street. Please be patient while we do everything we can to get the roads clear."

They asked the following:

• Stay off the roadways.
• Limit travel to emergencies only.
• Do not park in the street to allow for plowing operations.
• Prepare for power outages due to downed trees and power lines.
• Take breaks while shoveling.
• Check on neighbors and family.

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

Downed power lines should be immediately reported to JCP&L at 1-888-544-4877 and to the Toms River Police Department at 732-349-0150.

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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