The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the region until 8pm today, Friday, October 16. Scattered severe thunderstorms with damaging winds are possible between approximately 4pm and 9pm today, with a main wind threat tied to a fast-moving squall line. An additional Severe Thunderstorm Watch may be issued for our area later this afternoon.
A strong cold front will move through later today, bringing much colder air and gusty winds this weekend. Northwesterly winds will increase tonight through Saturday, October 17, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph possible on land. A Gale Warning is in effect for ocean waters Saturday, October 17, into Saturday night, with gusts up to 45 knots and seas building to 6 to 10 feet.
Temperatures will fall quickly tonight, with lows in the 30s to 40s. A Freeze Watch is in effect Saturday night, October 17, into Sunday morning, October 18, for areas to our north and west. While Asbury Park is not currently included in that watch, residents with sensitive outdoor plants may want to take precautions.
City preparations: Public Works has already begun lowering Wesley Lake and will continue to monitor and lower it as tides allow.
What residents can do:
- Secure loose outdoor furniture and decorations ahead of this evening's storms and this weekend's gusty winds.
- Avoid windows during severe thunderstorms and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued.
- Move vehicles out of flood-prone areas, especially near Wesley Lake, Sunset Lake, and Deal Lake.
- Stay off the beach and avoid ocean activities Saturday, October 17, into Saturday night due to hazardous marine conditions.
- In an emergency, or to report downed trees, blocked roads, or other hazards, call 911.
To report a power outage, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), visit
www.firstenergycorp.com, or text OUT to 544487. Report downed wires immediately by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) and 911.
For the latest forecast, visit
www.weather.gov/phi.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep Asbury Park safe.
Sign up for Nixle, the City of Asbury Park's official alert and emergency notification system, to receive real-time updates and view recent alerts at
www.cityofasburypark.com/nixle or text code 07712 to 888777.
