Nor’easter Forecast In Toms River: What To Expect

TOMS RIVER, NJ – A major nor'easter is expected to impact Toms River on Wednesday, producing heavy rain and packing 35- to 55-mph winds.

The National Weather Service is now labeling the major system a nor'easter since it's expected to produce strong, sustained damaging winds and precipitation starting Wednesday afternoon.

The Toms River Office of Emergency Management is warning residents to be prepared for coastal flooding of up to 2 feet of water, particularly around the high tides Wednesday evening and Thursday.

Toms River could see some snow overnight Wednesday into Thursday; AccuWeather's forecast estimates the area will see 1 to 3 inches of snow.

The storm will be fierce enough to knock down power lines and cause power outages and other damage, packing gale-force winds as strong as 35 to 55 mph across the state between 7 a.m. on Wednesday and 7 a.m. on Thursday.

The office of emergency management also urges those who will be driving to other parts of the state to be prepared, as 18 to 24 inches of snow is predicted in the northwest portions of New Jersey.

Winds will be strongest at the shore; here are the predicted gusts:

State officials said they have more than 400 pieces of road equipment available to make the roads safe, even though fewer people are taking to the roads because of the coronavirus outbreak.

AccuWeather is saying the system could be the "most significant winter storm in several years," one that could potentially become highly impactful and disruptive as the first round of coronavirus vaccines continue to be shipped around the country.

AccuWeather is warning of major disruptions to travel and even travel shutdowns, as well as shipping delays, school closings and power outages from this storm – even though a number of New Jersey school districts have said they'll opt to go remote instead of closing.

Toms River Superintendent David Healy said district officials are watching the weather forecast closely and have not yet made a decision.

But with the ability to provide remote instruction, Healy said the district would likely opt for a virtual school day if the storm makes roads dangerous for travel.

"We have the necessary items in place and the approval," Healy said, adding that holding a virtual school day would avoid adding days at the end of the school year, since the district does not have emergency closure days built into its calendar for 2020.

Here is the forecast:

• Wednesday: Snow and/or rain, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 28. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• Wednesday night: Snow and/or rain. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 22. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of two to 14 inches possible.
• Thursday: A chance of snow before 8 a.m., then a chance of snow showers, mainly between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
• Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

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