Full Notification

 
Cranford OEM has been monitoring the progress of Henri with our partners at the National Weather Service and NJ OEM. The storm is currently 450 miles south of Long Island, NY moving North-Northeast. It has strengthened to a Category 1 Hurricane and is projected to make landfall over the Twin Forks of Long Island early tomorrow afternoon.
 
There is a high degree of confidence that our area will be impacted by this storm. The main threat as of now will be heavy rainfall causing widespread flash flooding of poor drainage and low lying areas as well as the potential for minor to moderate river flooding.
 
**A Flood Watch is in effect for Cranford from Tonight through Monday Morning**
 
Impacts and Timing: Northeast New Jersey is expecting around 3 to 4+ inches of rainfall, the bulk of which will fall during the day tomorrow. Heavy rain is possible into the evening hours. Locally higher amounts are possible depending on where the heaviest bands of rainfall set up.
 
**Flash Flooding Conditions will be likely during the storm. Use caution if you must drive and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways**
 
Wind impacts are not as likely for the Cranford area, at this time. However, should the track change further west, stronger winds may be possible. At the current time, winds are expected to be in the 10 to 15mph range with gusts approaching 30 mph.
 
Preparedness:

• Cranford OEM is coordinating with the Police, Fire, and Public Works departments to ensure personnel and equipment are ready and staffing is appropriate for the storm response.
• The river gates have been opened as an emergency protective measure, and supplemental pumps have been deployed to Balmiere Parkway with the implementation of the Township’s Emergency Operations Plan.
• Residents are encouraged to prepare for the storm by securing loose items, stocking up on food and needed supplies, charging your phones, tablets, and other mobile devices, and staying off the road during the storm period. Our partners at PSEG are reporting that they have extra staff on hand to respond to power outages.
• Most importantly, flash flooding is very dangerous and at no time should you attempt to drive through a flooded roadway or intersection. Please avoid the flash flood prone areas. Do not park in flood prone areas. Also be mindful of the possibility of large tree limbs or trees falling due to wind gusts. There will likely be debris in roadways, use extra caution while driving after the storm subsides.
• Know Your Flood Risk – If you live in a flood prone area, whether it be flash flooding or river flooding, you should prepare now for flood impacts. Flooding of streets, yards, and basements is possible with this storm. Have a plan and be ready to act.
• Residents are urged to stay away from any downed wires, and treat all downed wires as “live” even if power appears to be out in the area.
• Prevention Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Do not run any fuel-powered generators in a garage or other enclosed space or near windows. This is a good time to test battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

 
For Further Details:
Monitor the latest weather forecasts at www.weather.gov/okx as well as the National Hurricane Center at : https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
 
Report Power Outages to PSEG at: 1-800-436-7734
 
Report non-emergent wires or trees down, or other non-emergency calls to Cranford Police & Fire at (908) 272-2222
 
Report all Emergencies (wires down sparking, trees into homes or buildings, utility emergencies, cars trapped in water, etc) by calling 9-1-1.
 
As a reminder, do not rely on email or social media to report these issues, even if they seem minor or non-emergent. Please always call the non-emergency number if you are concerned and don’t believe it is an emergency situation warranting a 9-1-1 call.
 
Other Utility Contact Information:
 
PSE&G
1-800-436-7734
Outages: Report Map
 
Elizabethtown Gas
1-800-242-5830 Website
 
Comcast
1-800-266-2278 Website
 
Verizon FiOS
1-888-438-3467 Website
 
New Jersey American Water
1-800-272-1325 Website