(Lindenwold, NJ) – The Camden County Department of Public Works (CCDPW) is closely monitoring a storm system that could bring severe thunderstorms, wind gusts and hail to our area this afternoon.
“A powerful coastal storm has the potential to bring strong winds and flooding to areas prone to poor drainage. Camden County crews are already clearing inlet tops of debris, checking on flood gates and preparing barricades and cones in case of the need for road closures,” said Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, liaison to the CCDWP. “Our chippers are fueled and hitched to trucks and chainsaws are fueled and ready in the event downed trees or limbs block county roadways.”
Rain beginning this evening will become heavier toward morning as a strong low-pressure system develops offshore. As this is happening, it is creating and drawing in colder air with “wrap-around” precipitation that moves back into the area during the day Friday. There is a chance for snow to be added into the mix tomorrow afternoon and evening, but we are not expecting anything more than a coating on nonpaved surfaces. Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour could lead to some downed trees and power outages.
Residents are encouraged to drive with caution and avoid low-lying areas where flooding is known to occur, and avoid any downed power lines. At the public works complex in Lindenwold, a fleet of about 100 vehicles stand ready to keep Camden County’s 1,200 lane miles of roadways passable.
“If flooding occurs in our area, never drive your vehicle into areas where water covers the roadway,” Shin Angulo said. “Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road.”
In the event that the weather causes isolated power outages, please remember to immediately call your utility company so they can identify the location and coordinate crews to restore your power. Any storm has the potential to bring down trees and power lines residents need to be extra cognizant of any power failures. Below are numbers and contact info for the two power providers in Camden County:
- PSE&G: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
- PSEG website: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp
- Atlantic City Electric: 1-800-833-7476
- Atlantic City Electric website: http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/
- South Jersey Gas: 1-800-582-7060
- South Jersey Gas website: http://southjerseygas.com/
As always, please use 911 for emergencies only. If you see a problem on a county road, please call our 24-hour hotline at (856) 566-2980 to report it to CCDPW.