Nor'easter Brings Snow, Icy Roads, Flood Warnings In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — While other parts of New Jersey continued to pile up snow on Monday, Toms River officials were warning residents to not get complacent about the rainy weather in the township.

Rain that started falling Monday morning was melting the snow that had fallen, and while that may have been good news for those who dread shoveling, officials said there is a potential for everything to freeze as temperatures fall.

"As the temperature drops, we have the potential for a refreeze, which could leave us with icing issues. Please increase your stopping distance should you venture out on the roads," the Toms River Office of Emergency Management said.

Because of the potential for icy roads and the possibility of additional snow, the Toms River Regional School District announced it would continue with fully remote instruction on Tuesday, with a four-hour day but no afternoon assistance.

Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools students also will have remote instruction on Tuesday, the vo-tech schools announced.

A state of emergency declared by Gov. Phil Murphy remains in effect through Tuesday afternoon.

Some parts of Ocean County received several inches of snow as of midday Monday, the Ocean County Sheriff's Office said. Snow totals in Toms River on Monday varied depending on what part of town you live in. Residents closer to the bay and ocean had less snow as the switchover to rain melted some of the accumulation, but those more inland, particularly in the northern part of the township, didn't get the rain to the same degree and their snow accumulation remained.

"Tonight any area that has rain will switch back over to snow," the sheriff's office said, urging people to stay off the roads and exercise care if they have to travel.

In addition to the concerns about icy roads, officials are keeping an eye on flooding and warning residents that low-lying areas could see as much as 1 to 2 feet of water above the normal tides, which could result in widespread road flooding in those areas.

The high tides with the greatest concern are anticipated about 11 p.m. Monday and 11 a.m. Tuesday on the oceanfront; back-bay high tides are roughly six hours later, so bayfront and riverfront areas could see flooding around dawn Tuesday.

The coastal flood warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.

The potential for power outages remains, and residents are urged to take the following precautions if they have not otherwise done so, including:

• Keep electronic devices fully charged.
• Keep a flashlight with extra batteries.
• Keep away from any downed power lines.
• Never run a portable generator inside your house or closed garage.

Report any power outages to JCP&L by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (544-4877) or visiting www.firstenergycorp.com and clicking on the "Report Outage" link.

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