Middletown Township began preparing for the snowstorm yesterday by treating main roads with brine, fueling snow plows and working with the State to monitor tides and adjust our floodgates to prevent flooding. Models are currently predicting an accumulation of 10-12 inches in our area. High tides will be at 9:49 PM tonight and 9:58 AM tomorrow. Residents living in flood prone areas are reminded to move vehicles to higher ground. If you are concerned about flooding, you can park at the Middletown Train Station parking lots.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection closed the new Port Monmouth Road floodgate at low tide to prevent the tide from returning to Pews Creek at high tide. The gate and pumps will be in storm mode through tomorrow. The Wilson Avenue floodgate will remain open to allow runoff from the affected streets to drain to Pews Creek and pump out to the bay if levels rise high enough. Click HERE for a list of flood prone streets.
During the storm, the Township’s priority is to keep primary roads open so there is a clear path for emergency vehicles. The Township will be using more than 150 pieces of equipment to treat and clear roads. Fire and First Aid Stations are ready for emergency response. The Police Department has augmented its staff for emergency response.
Please call 911 for emergencies. Call 732-615-2100 for snow-related hazards.
As a reminder, Monday's COVID testing is canceled at the train station. Town Hall and municipal offices (this includes the Middletown Township Public Library) will also be closed due to weather conditions, with the exception of emergency personnel. Garbage collection in the North Zone has also been postponed to Thursday, 2/4. Residents can leave up to three additional closed bags of garbage next to the cart.
Power Outages
To report downed wires or power outages call JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), text OUT to LIGHTS (544487), or click the “Report Outage” link on www.firstenergycorp.com. View outages by clicking HERE. For your safety, do not go near downed wires.
Safety Tips
- Never run a generator in an enclosed space or indoors. This includes basements and garages, which can capture deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Always place the generator at least 20 feet from the house with the engine exhaust directed away from windows and doors. Keeping the garage door open does not provide enough ventilation to keep the fumes outside.
- Purchase a (CO) detector with a plug and battery backup. That way, if you shut off the generator, the battery backup will automatically keep the device going.
- Please clear snow from all vents around the house. This includes flue pipes and dryer vents. When the vents are blocked, dangerous carbon monoxide can build up inside the home. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Township Fire Marshal, Buddy Skelly, at 732-615-2270.
For other weather-related updates and safety tips, please visit www.middletownnj.org and look for information on the Township’s social media channels, Facebook and Twitter, and Instagram.
Middletown encourages residents to sign up for Township emergency weather alerts by texting MiddletownNJ to 888–777 or by visiting www.middletownnj.org/Nixle.