Surf City Police Chief says ‘now is the time to prepare’ for winter storm Jonas

The Surf City Police Department is encouraging residents to get ready now for winter storm Jonas, which has the potential to create heavy snow conditions, gusting winds and major coastal flooding on Long Beach Island and in surrounding areas tonight and throughout the weekend.

“The storm hasn’t gotten here yet, so now is the time to prepare and be ready for some snow and flooding,” said Surf City Police Chief William Collins, who noted elderly family members and neighbors should be checked on. “The most important thing is people still have a few hours to be and get prepared for this. If you need food or medication, get out and get it now. If you need to get your car to high ground, do it now.”

Photo by Ryan Morrill
A Surf City Volunteer Fire Co.
snow vehicle stands at the ready.

Homeowners in low-lying areas of town are encouraged to move their vehicles to higher grounds in case of flooding, which will be at its peak during the bay’s high tide cycles.

Cars may not be parked in the medians on Barnegat Avenue, which is expected to be under water.

To make way for snow plowing, all cars must be moved from borough streets.

“When they’re plowing snow and slush and your car’s parked on the street, first off it’s an obstacle, and second your car is liable to get damaged,” Collins said. “It shouldn’t be on the street during any snow event.”

The police department has received permission for residents to park their cars in the lot at the St. Thomas of Villanova Church as well as at the lot at the firehouse, near Long Beach Boulevard on Seventh Street, in Surf City.

The Ethel A. Jacobsen Elementary School in Surf City will be available for parking after 6 p.m. tonight.

Police have also secured access for residents to park their cars at the St. Mary’s of the Pines Catholic Church, in the lot nearest to McKinley Avenue, as well as at the Stafford Township Municipal Building and on the dirt path on Cedarbridge Road behind Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin.

Residents are encouraged to secure any outside items that could blow away such as loose cans and patio furniture. Contractors should cover Dumpsters and any building materials.

The police department is monitoring the storm and alerting residents of all pertinent updates via Nixle as well as its Facebook page.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.