Full Notification

The Raritan Township & Hunterdon County Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor Tropical Storm Isaias. A Tropical Storm Warning and Flash Flood Watch are in effect for Hunterdon County.  Forecast impacts include heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds from late tonight into Wednesday.
Strong winds may lead to downed trees and wires leading to power outages.  Residents and visitors should prepare to shelter in place.  Ensure cell phones and other items are charged.  If you rely on critical equipment such as a medical device, have a plan to maintain power or for relocation. 
  If you experience a power outage, please report it directly to your utility provider.  JCP&L customers can report outages to 1-888-544-4877 or by visiting the JCP&L website.  Please do not call 911 to report an outage or to inquire about the status of power restoration.  This critical service should be reserved for emergencies.
  Businesses offering outdoor dining and other services are encouraged to take action to ensure tents and other property are secured.  Manufacturers and installers can provide information on wind ratings and how to prepare appropriately.
Given the presence of COVID-19, we strongly encourage everyone to review and update their personal preparedness plans and kits.  Those in areas prone to flooding or unable to shelter in place during times of power disruption should make every effort to secure personal arrangements including staying with family or friends, or hotel accommodations.  Turning to a shelter this hurricane season should be an absolute last resort due to the presence of COVID-19 illness in the community and throughout the Country.  Additionally, many government agencies have visitor restrictions in place for their buildings, or limitations imposed to ensure social distancing.  Facilities traditionally used as locations in which the public could charge phones or access computers for information may not be made available.  Family members and neighbors should be prepared to maintain contact with the elderly and those in vulnerable populations.
Personal preparedness kits should be updated to include face masks or face coverings, soap and/or hand sanitizer, and various disinfecting supplies.  For more information about preparing visit:
https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/covid-19/disasters_severe_weather_and_covid-19.html
http://ready.nj.gov/
If you encounter flooded roadways, remember to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”.  Never enter flood waters.
Register cell phone numbers and email accounts in the Hunterdon County Community Alerts notification system by visiting the county website to create a profile, or by contacting Hunterdon Helpline at (908) 782-4357 or 1 (800) 272-4630.
Vulnerable populations can register for assistance through the New Jersey Special Needs registry, “Register Ready” by visiting www.registerready.nj.gov or the county website’s homepage, or contacting Hunterdon Helpline.
For the latest forecast information visit www.hurricanes.gov and the Hunterdon County website. 

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT...

* WIND

    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind

        - Peak Wind Forecast: 40-50 mph with gusts to 75 mph

        - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Tuesday morning

          until Tuesday evening

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST

      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58

      to 73 mph

        - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the

          previous assessment.

        - PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical

          storm force.

        - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property

          should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for

          significant wind damage.

        - ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant

        - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with

          damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few

          buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door

          failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored.

          Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.

        - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater

          numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several

          fences and roadway signs blown over.

        - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within

          urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways,

          and access routes impassable.

        - Scattered power and communications outages, but more

          prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

* FLOODING RAIN

    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flash Flood Watch is in effect

        - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally

          higher amounts

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST

      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major

      flooding rain

        - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from

          the previous assessment.

        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for

          major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are

          likely.

        - PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially

          if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.

        - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take

          action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive

        - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and

          rescues.

        - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in

          multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos,

          and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,

          destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while

          increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides.

          Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.

        - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple

          communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or

          washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover

          escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of

          moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions

          become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some

          weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO

    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:

        - Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST

      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few

      tornadoes

        - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the

          previous assessment.

        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a

          few tornadoes.

        - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to

          tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before

          hazardous weather arrives.

        - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter

          quickly.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited

        - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the

          execution of emergency plans during tropical events.

        - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with

          power and communications disruptions.

        - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings,

          chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or

          overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off,

          shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown

          off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:

    - http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/oem.html

 
 

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