Community Corner

Power Outages Return as Snow Covers Lacey

First snowfall of the season hits Ocean County

The first snowfall of the season is accumulating on local grounds and as a result, power outages are returning to the area.

"The snow is coming down here in Lacey," Township Administrator and Municipal Clerk Veronica Laureigh said. "As the temperature is dropping we do see areas becoming slick. We have salt spreaders on a few vehicles to address intersections and heavily travelled areas."

Temperatures near freezing will make for slippery roadways, the National Weather Service advised. 

Find out what's happening in Laceywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"In addition, the wet snow sticking to all services is knocking down some tree limbs and power lines. This is leading renewed power outages across the region," the weather warning said.

Renewed power outages are being reported by residents throughout Lacey Township on Facebook. Areas without power, according to those residents, include Hainse Street, Bay Way, the Bayberry section, Lawrence Drive and Sinclair Avenue.

Find out what's happening in Laceywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As of 11:15 p.m., JCP&L was reporting 2,629 Lacey residents without power.

Residents have also reported additional trees down in their neighborhoods.

The snow comes just nine days after Hurricane Sandy ripped through the area leaving downed trees, power outages and flooding. Homes along the Jersey Shore still sit with openings due to the strong winds and storm surge.

Approximately 1,906 Lacey residents still remained without power prior to this snowstorm Wednesday afternoon, according to JCP&L's data provided on the state's Hurricane Sandy Information Center webpage.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning, which will be in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday. Four to eight inches of snow are predicted, although approximately eight inches have already accumulated in Toms River.

The weather forecast for tonight is snow mixed with rain, with a period of heavy precipitation through the evening. Light snow and rain are anticipated late tonight.

Residents should report power outages to JCP&L at 1-888-544-4877 or click here.

The Lacey United Methodist Church has remained opened as a shelter since Hurricane Sandy. The church has heat, electricity, showers, laundry facilities, meals and donated supplies.

What does it look like near you? How is the weather impacting your recovery from Sandy? Tell us in the comments and add photos of this season's first snowfall to this article.


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