Howell Prepares For Tropical Storm Isaias

HOWELL, NJ – As Tropical Storm Isaias continues on a path anticipated to bring strong winds and heavy rain to New Jersey on Tuesday, Howell Township’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) issued a release warning residents to finalize emergency plans.

“Now is the time for residents to do final preparation for the storm,” the Howell OEM wrote in the Monday morning release.

Howell and Farmingdale will begin to feel the effects of Tropical Storm Isaias at approximately 4 to 5 a.m. on Tuesday. Howell Township is on the northeast side of the storm, which is expected to feel the highest force of winds, according to the office. Upwards of three inches of rain can be expected, with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph.

Heavy rains are expected to impact most of the state with the potential for flash flooding, the National Weather Service's Mount Holly office stated on Monday morning. In Howell, tropical storm winds are expected between 11 a.m. and noon, with an additional risk of isolated tornadoes. Read more: Tropical Storm Warning For Much Of NJ As Isaias Picks Up Speed

“This will probably cause trees to be uprooted, as well as power outages,” wrote the Howell OEM. “Winds will shift to the North East as the storm passes over the Township.”

The once-anticipated hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm on Saturday afternoon, according to a Sunday update from the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to exit the Howell area at around 6 p.m., according to the release.

The Howell OEM reminds residents to remove non secure outdoor furniture from patios and decks.

Residents are urged to report any power outages by calling JCP&L at 1 (888) 544-4877. Updates and additional information can be found by texting HowellAlerts to 888777.

You can view JCP&L's live power outages map here: http://outages.firstenergycorp.com/nj.html

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