Large Portion of Ocean Avenue in Long Branch Closed Because of Storm Damage

The high winds are already causing problems in Long Branch, according to Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Stantly Dzuiba.

Dzuiba said Ocean Avenue from Melrose Terrace to South Bath Avenue has been closed because about 2-3 feet of sand have blown onto the street.

Dzuiba said the fence protecting the damaged boardwalk has also blown over and that the ocean waves are breaking close to the bulkhead.

No voluntary evacuations have been ordered at this time, he said.

"We've got everybody on alert and we are going to keep an eye on the tides, especially in the (Shrewsbury River,) Dzuiba said.

He said high tide for the ocean is about 3 a.m. and the river high tide will follow at about 5:30 a.m.

Tinton Falls Also Prepping for Storm

Tinton Falls issued the following statement on the borough web site:

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Monmouth County, which is in effect from 4 p.m. today until 6 a.m. tomorrow. The Tinton Falls Public Works Department and Office of Emergency Management have taken the appropriate steps.

Rain could change over to snow later this evening. Between 2 and 4 inches of snow has been forecasted by the NWS.

Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are expected, so there is a possibly of power outages.

Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) has additional crews on hand to assist with restoration efforts. All downed wires should be assumed to be "live" wires and should be reported to JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS  (1-888-544-4877).

The borough is also reminding residents not to park on borough roadways this evening and use extra caution while driving.