Sunday, September 4, 2016

Hermine Moves Eastward but Risks Remain, Caution Urged

 

Despite this morning’s sunny skies and lack of rainfall, a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Atlantic County today and emergency officials advise residents and visitors to continue to monitor the track of the storm and prepare for moderate to major flooding at the time of high tides today and tomorrow.

Rough surf, dangerous rip currents and significant beach erosion are expected through Labor Day. The strongest winds, expected to be sustained at 39 mph with higher gusts, will arrive late today or this evening.

Emergency officials remind beach goers to exercise extreme caution and only swim on guarded beaches as permitted. Some area beaches have prohibited anyone from going into the water

“The sun may be out, but the surf is dangerous, especially for those who are inexperienced with ocean waters and rip currents.. We do not recommend going into the water at this time,” stated Vince Jones, Atlantic County Emergency Management Coordinator.

Jones also advised those located in low-lying, flood prone areas to move their vehicles to higher ground if they have not already done so as coastal flooding is still a concern and may be problematic with this evening’s 10:17 PM high tide and tomorrow’s 10:45 AM high tide.

A State of Emergency also remains in effect as issued by Governor Christie yesterday for Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties. However, there is no travel ban or mandatory evacuations in place.

The Atlantic County Office of Emergency Preparedness will continue to closely monitor Tropical Storm Hermine throughout the holiday weekend and issue updates as necessary. Lt. Governor Kim Gaudagno will be meeting with officials later today.

County News