Township Prepares for Further Coastal Flooding with Upcoming Nor'easter

The township is projecting possible tidal flooding along the waterfront communities as a nor’easter will hit the area on Wednesday.

Weather forecasts are indicating that the area can get one to three inches of rain, sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph with gust up to 60 mph and potentially moderate tidal flooding along the bayfront communities with the high tides on Wednesday, Township Administrator and Municipal Clerk Veronica Laureigh said.

The nor’easter will strike the township just nine days after Hurricane Sandy inundated the area with downed trees, flooding and power outages.

“The coastal flooding will not be nearly as bad as last week,” she said in an update to the township. “Anticipate tidal flooding associated with a strong coastal storm and take necessary action to protect property, including relocating your vehicle if needed.”

The township is urging residents to secure and remove all outside items such as lawn furniture, seasonal decorations and flags. Residents are also being asked to ensure the street storm drains in their neighborhoods are cleaned and free of leaves.

An evacuation has not been issued at this time, Laureigh said, although they encourage residents who are fearful of staying home to relocate inland.

“Unfortunately, with wind gust approaching 60 mph, there is a chance of power outages once again,” she said.

As of midnight on Wednesday, 1,906 residents remained without power due to Hurricane Sandy. Since Sandy, more than 13,000 residents had been restored.

The township is reminding residents to fully charge their cell phones and other portable electronic devices prior to the storm. Flashlights should be readily available, Laureigh said.

“This coastal storm comes at a difficult time for residents of this community as they attempt to recover from Hurricane Sandy,” she said. “The Township of Lacey is prepared for the approaching coastal storm and ready to respond to any storm related incident.”

“In addition, Lacey Township is committed to allocating necessary resources to properly manage this storm and to continue with the Hurricane Sandy recovery effort,” she said.

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.