Toms River Urges Residents To Prepare For Tropical Storm Elsa

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River residents should make sure their lawn furniture is secured and anything loose is tied down, as Tropical Storm Elsa makes its way up the East Coast.

Ocean County is under a tropical storm warning, with heavy rain and severe winds expected to develop Thursday night and into Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service Mount Holly office.

"The main threat is expected to be the heavy rain and flash flood potential with the storm and thunderstorms ahead of the system," the weather service said. "Coastal flooding is not expected as storm surge is forecast to around a foot or less."

Heavy rainfall is expected to start sometime after 2 a.m. Friday, with the potential for 3 to 5 inches of rain.

Flash flooding is a concern, particularly in areas that are known to flood. A flash flood watch is in effect until noon Friday, and the National Weather Service is warning of a severe storm risk through 8 a.m. Friday.

Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill said the township's storm response crews were cleaning out storm basin tops to allow for better drainage when the heavy rain begins.

Toms River's trucks "are equipped with barricades and road flooding signage. They are ready to be deployed in anticipation of heavy rain/winds in the overnight hours into tomorrow,” Public Works Director Anthony Benyola said.

Hill said the township has additional personnel in the Buildings and Grounds division ready to jump in if things worsen overnight.

Residents whose streets are prone to flooding are urged to consider moving their vehicles to higher ground. Parking is available at Castle Park on Oak Avenue.

To report a power outage please phone First Energy Corporation at 888-544-4877 or visit the link at Current Outages (firstenergycorp.com)

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