Full Notification

MAYOR AMATO WOULD LIKE TO UPDATE RESIDENTS ON THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE TOWNSHIP OF BERKELEY AND THE LATEST FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

WINTER STORM AND COASTAL FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22ND, IN THE EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY, JANUARY 24TH IN THE MORNING.

HAZARD TYPES:
HEAVY WET SNOW STRONG WINDS AND WIDESPREAD TO MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING.

SNOW ACCUMULATIONS:
6 TO 14 INCHES POSSIBLE, WITH THE HIGHER AMOUNTS MAINLY INLAND FROM THE ATLANTIC COAST. SOME SLEET SHOULD MIX IN ALONG WITH SOME RAIN CLOSER TO THE COAST SATURDAY, WHICH WOULD CUT DOWN THE SNOW ACCUMULATION.

TIMING:
SNOW: IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY LATER FRIDAY EVENING, PRIMARILY AFTER THE EVENING COMMUTE, THEN CONTINUE TO BE HEAVY AT TIMES INTO SUNDAY MORNING.
FLOODING: HIGH TIDE OCCURS BETWEEN 630 AM AND 730 AM SATURDAY MORNING, BETWEEN 700 PM AND 800 PM SATURDAY EVENING, AND BETWEEN 700 AM AND 800 AM SUNDAY MORNING. HIGH TIDE ON THE BACK BAYS AND ON DELAWARE BAY OCCURS LATER THAN THE HIGH TIDE ALONG THE OCEANFRONT.

WINDS:
NORTHEAST 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 55 MPH, WITH THE HIGHEST GUSTS CLOSER TO THE COAST.

TEMPERATURES:
IN THE LOWER 30S.

IMPACTS:
SNOW MAY BE DRY AND FLUFFY AT THE START, BUT WILL BECOME WETTER AND HEAVIER AS THE EVENT UNFOLDS. SHOVELING MAY BE PROBLEMATIC FOR THOSE WITH PHYSICAL AILMENTS. SNOW MAY CLING TO WIRES AND TREES WHICH COULD CAUSE POWER OUTAGES. ROADS COULD BECOME IMPASSABLE IN SOME AREAS DUE TO INCREASING SNOW ACCUMULATION DURING THE EVENT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:
A WINTER STORM AND COASTAL FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS AND COASTAL FLOODING. CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERATE OR MAJOR TIDAL FLOODING. BE PREPARED TO BEGIN TAKING APPROPRIATE ACTION TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY.
GUSTY NORTHEAST WINDS COULD CAUSE ADDITIONAL ISSUES WITH BLOWING AND DRIFTING.

As we prepare for this weather event, we would like to remind residents the following:

FROM THE DIVISION OF STREETS AND ROADS:

SNOW PLOW AND SALTING PROCEDURES
At the start of a snow storm, salt and sanding vehicles are dispatched in Berkeley Township. Major roadways are usually done first, followed by secondary roadways. After the snow has stopped and it has been determined that accumulations have exceeded 5", the Township will begin to snow plow.

The Township will utilize approximately 70 pieces of Township equipment and approximately 30 contracted loaders for cul-de-sacs. All streets are opened curb to curb to insure the drains are opened. Sanding and salting operations continue as needed.

Each snowplow vehicle has been assigned a section to plow and will remain in that section until all roadways have been sufficiently cleaned. This may require the snowplow vehicle to make multiple passes on each street. Township forces will be plowing each street from curb to curb during each snowfall.

On occasion, due to the lack of areas between the sidewalk and curb, sidewalks and driveway aprons may become covered with snow that falls off the snowplow blade. Township forces will not remove snow from any sidewalk or driveway apron in these instances. We regret this unfortunate inconvenience.

At no time is snow to be disposed of into the street from the property, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks. All snow blowers should be directed to blow snow back onto the property.

After the streets are plowed and salted, snow deposited back into the roadway creates hazardous situations, causes additional plowing of the streets and blocking of parked vehicles and driveways after the original cleanup. Summonses could be issued for non-compliance.

We want to thank everyone for complying with these requests and following the ordinances, rules and regulations of the Township of Berkeley. Any questions on these policies and procedures, Call Steven J. Seiler, Principal Public Works Manager At: 732-349-4616 or 732-341-1022. Or you can Email: [email protected]

FROM THE DIVISION OF POLICE:
Township Ordinance 7-8.3
Temporary Parking Prohibited for Snow Plowing and Removal.
Whenever snow has fallen and the accumulation is such that it covers the streets and highways, an emergency shall exist and no vehicle shall be parked on the streets or highways or portions thereof indicated.

The parking prohibitions listed below shall remain in effect after the snow has ceased, until the streets have been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic.

Any unoccupied vehicle parked or standing in violation shall be deemed a nuisance and a menace to the safe and proper regulation of traffic and any Police Officer may provide for the removal of such vehicle. The owner shall pay the reasonable costs of the removal and storage, which may result from such removal before regaining possession of the vehicle.

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
Phone: (732) 914-8966 Or Email: [email protected]

POWER OUTAGES:
If a power outage occurs call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage or click the Report Outages link on: www.firstenergycorp.com via smart phone. In the event of downed utility wires, you should immediately report them to JCP&L at the number above and the Berkeley Township Police Department at 732-341-6600. Residents should never go near a downed power line, even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity.

COLD WEATHER TIPS:
Here are seven tips to help you prepare for and stay safe during the cold temperatures:

1. Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat.

2. Bring the pets indoors. If that’s not possible, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.

3. Avoid frozen pipes - run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night to help avoid freezing pipes.

4. Do not use a stove or oven to heat the home.

5. Space heaters should sit on a level, hard surface and anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away.

6. If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

7. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Residents should take necessary measures to secure all of your loose items on your property. Such as patio furniture, chairs, tables, sporting equipment, awnings, etc. Please make sure you have the supplies and medications you need over next few days. In the event of snow, check on your neighbors, including the elderly.

If you have to venture out during the snow, remove all snow from your car, especially the hood of your vehicle, before driving. Residents in low lying areas that frequently flood, can use the lower parking lot at the Central Regional Middle School for vehicles.

For additional information and updates please visit: www.berkeleytownship.org or turn on TV channel 22.

Thank you,
MAYOR CARMEN AMATO