Full Notification

As you know, the Surf City Police Department has been closely monitoring the approaching winter storm over the past several days. Forecasts predicting snowfall, rain, and coastal flooding have varied, but there is one thing for certain – this storm will affect our area and our residents should prepare for all forces that this winter storm may bring. The most current weather briefing issued by the NWS Philadelphia/Mt. Holly projects a total snowfall accumulation of approximately 6-8 inches for our area (coastal/LBI); higher snowfall accumulation totals are anticipated for Western areas of the state. Strong Northeast winds are expected to affect our area, gusting between 50-60mph. Additionally, widespread moderate to major coastal flooding and back bay flooding is expected. Recent model runs have predicted that the storm surge from winter storm Jonas could peak over 7 feet above mean low (mllw). Flooding is expected to be the worst during the high tide cycles on the bayside, which are as follows: Saturday 1/23 at 9:50am, Saturday 1/23 at 10:19pm, and Sunday 1/24 at 10:34am.

So what does this all mean to our residents? Since there are many unknowns, prepare for the worst. Heavy, wet snow in conjunction with gusting winds has the potential to cause power outages and damage to weak structures. The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will make for white out conditions, which creates dangerous driving conditions. Residents are urged to stay home and off of the roads if possible. Widespread coastal flooding can cause property damage and road closures, especially during the high tides on Saturday and Sunday.

Residents on the bayside, the 200 blocks, and low-lying areas on Central Avenue and throughout the Borough should consider moving their vehicles to higher ground. We have secured areas in town, as well as on the mainland, that our residents can move their vehicles to. Areas in town include the St. Thomas church parking lots on the corners of 13th Street and 14th Street on the ocean side of Long Beach Blvd, as well as the Ethel Jacobsen School lot AFTER 6pm tonight. For locations in Manahawkin, or for any additional questions or concerns regarding parking, you can contact Surf City Police dispatch at 609-494-8121 or contact Ptlw. Roe directly at 609-618-2270 (this number is good for the duration of THIS winter weather event only).

Additionally, do not park on the street! All residents must move their vehicles and any trailers from the street to allow for snow plowing operations.

Contractors should cover-over dumpsters to prevent flying debris, secure all building materials, and secure Port-a-Johns to utility poles.

Residents should secure any loose yard décor and/or objects (including trashcans, patio furniture, surfboards, kayaks, etc.) to prevent them from blowing away.

Additionally, check on all elderly family members and neighbors before the start of the event, and periodically during this winter weather event. Be sure to have a fully charged cellphone in case of an emergency/power outage. Bring all outdoor pets inside, because if its too cold out for you then its probably too cold for them.

For more information, please continue to monitor your local weather/new stations. We will continue to release information as it is made available to us – be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SurfCityPD).

Here is the link to the most current weather briefing from the National Weather Service:
http://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf