Sunday, January 25, 2015

Atlantic County Prepares for First Significant Snowfall of 2015

With a winter storm warning in effect for our area from noon on Monday through 6 PM on Tuesday as Winter Storm Juno barrels across the Northeast, Atlantic County emergency management and public works officials are closely monitoring weather forecasts and making preparations for the potential of significant accumulations of snow, sleet and ice with 30-40 mph wind gusts, and minor to moderate coastal flooding.

The storm is expected to start with a mix of rain and snow on Monday morning before becoming all snow Monday evening and continuing, heavy at times, through Tuesday. The National Weather Service is forecasting the possibility of 10-18 inches of snow for Atlantic County (as of 4 PM Sunday) with blowing and drifting that may make travel especially hazardous during Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

In anticipation of the snow, Atlantic County public work crews began salting county roadways on Sunday to help delay snow from accumulating on road surfaces and will do so again on Monday as rain transitions to snow. Snow plows will also be deployed as snow begins to accumulate.

Motorists are reminded to stay well behind salt trucks and snow plows. And when shoveling your driveways, place snow on the "down" street side, to the left of the driveway when facing it from the street.

Residents are encouraged to make preparations NOW by reviewing their family emergency plans; restocking emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, battery-operated radios, non-perishable food and water; charging electronic devices; checking on elderly and infirm relatives and neighbors; fueling vehicles; having cash and prescription medicines on hand; and closely monitoring weather forecasts.

Anyone who experiences a life-threatening emergency should call 9-1-1. For non-life threatening emergencies, contact your local office of emergency preparedness. Contact numbers are available online at www.ReadyAtlantic.org, the county's emergency website as well as in the blue pages of your phone book.

Citizens may also access the Ready Atlantic web site to register for CODE RED to receive county emergency notifications via phone or text.

For more winter storm preparation tips, click here.

County News